Green Party (Israel) Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids The Green Party המפלגה הירוקה‎

Leader	Stav Shaffir
Chairperson	Yael Cohen Paran
Founders	Eran Ben-Yemini, Alon Tal
Founded	2008 (2008)
Ideology	Green politics Green Zionism Animal rights Environmentalism
Political position	Centre-left to left-wing
National affiliation	Green Movement–Meimad (2009) Democratic Union (2019–2020)
International affiliation	Aytzim
Slogan	Choosing Life
Seats in Knesset	0 / 120
Most MKs	1 (2015)
Election symbol
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The Green Party (Hebrew: המפלגה הירוקה, HaMiflaga HaYeruka) is a political group in Israel. It used to be called the Green Movement. This party focuses on protecting the environment and animal rights. It also works on social issues.

In Israel, political parties try to win seats in the Knesset, which is like their parliament. To get into the Knesset, a party needs to get a certain number of votes. In 2020, the Green Party decided not to run by itself. Its leader, Stav Shaffir, asked supporters to vote for other parties that shared similar goals.

History of the Green Party
What the Green Party Believes In
Election Results
Leaders of the Green Party
See also

History of the Green Party

How the Green Party Started

The Green Movement began in the summer of 2008. It was started by people who cared a lot about the environment. Two of its main founders were Eran Ben-Yemini and Alon Tal. Soon after, it became a political party.

Early Elections and Alliances

For the 2009 elections, the Green Movement joined with another party called Meimad. Meimad was a religious party that wanted peace. Their combined list of candidates included Meimad's leader, Michael Melchior, and the Green Movement's founders. They focused on the environment, education, and getting along with different people. However, they did not get enough votes to win any seats in the Knesset. They were the party that came closest without getting in.

In the 2013 elections, the Green Movement teamed up with Tzipi Livni's Hatnua party. Alon Tal, who was then the Green Movement's leader, was placed high on their list of candidates. But Hatnua only won a few seats, so the Green Movement did not get a representative in the Knesset. After this election, Yael Cohen Paran became the new co-chair of the party.

Joining the Zionist Union

The Green Movement tried again in the 2015 elections. This time, they joined a big group called the Zionist Union. This group included Hatnua and the Labor Party. Yael Cohen Paran was chosen for a spot on this joint list. She didn't get elected right away. But later in November 2015, another member resigned, and she was able to join the Knesset.

Focus in the Knesset

While in the Knesset, the Green Movement worked hard on important environmental issues. They focused on pollution in Haifa Bay, which was harming nearby areas. They also worked on cleaning up air pollution. Yael Cohen Paran led a special group looking into using more renewable energy. She also pushed for laws that would require solar panels on tall buildings.

New Leadership and Alliances

Before the September 2019 elections, Stav Shaffir became the new leader of the Green Movement. She had left the Labor Party. The Green Movement then joined an alliance called the Democratic Union. Stav Shaffir was elected to the Knesset as part of this group.

Later, in 2020, there was another election. The Green Party, as it was now called, decided not to run on its own. This was because they knew it would be hard to get enough votes to enter the Knesset by themselves.

What the Green Party Believes In

The Green Party has clear goals and beliefs. Here are some of their main ideas:

They want to make life better for people in Israel. This includes improving health, education, and overall well-being.
They believe it's important to take care of the Earth. They want to make sure everyone can live in a healthy environment now and in the future.
They support a lifestyle where everyone is respected. This means treating all people well, no matter their religion, background, gender, or who they love.
They work to protect the rights of animals and those who cannot protect themselves.
They want to put into action a "Green New Deal." This is a plan to fight climate change and create new jobs by investing in green energy and sustainable practices.

Election Results

This table shows how the Green Party and its alliances have done in past elections.

Election	Leader	Votes	%	Seats	+/–	Status
2009	Eran Ben-Yemini	27,737 (#13) In alliance with Meimad)	0.82	0 / 120	New	Extraparliamentary
2013	Alon Tal	Ran on the Hatnua list		0 / 120	0	Extraparliamentary
2015	Yael Cohen Paran	Part of the Zionist Union		1 / 120	1	Opposition
April 2019	Yael Cohen Paran	Ran on the Labor Party list		0 / 120	1	Extraparliamentary
September 2019	Stav Shaffir	Part of the Democratic Union		1 / 120	1	Snap election
2020	Stav Shaffir	Did not contest				Extraparliamentary