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 party in Israel. It used to be called the Green Movement. This party focuses on protecting the environment and helping people. It is a social movement and an environmental movement.

In 2020, the party decided not to run alone in the Israeli elections. They knew it would be hard to get enough votes to enter the Knesset (Israel's parliament). The party's leader, Stav Shaffir, asked supporters to vote for other parties that shared similar goals. This was to help defeat Benjamin Netanyahu's government at the time.

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

History of the Green Party

The Green Movement (Hebrew: התנועה הירוקה, HaTnuʿa HaYeruka) started in the summer of 2008. It was founded by environmental activists Eran Ben-Yemini and Alon Tal. They wanted to create a political group that would focus on green issues.

Early Elections and Alliances

The Green Movement soon became a political party. For the 2009 elections, they teamed up with Meimad. Meimad was a religious party that wanted peace. The leader of Meimad, Michael Melchior, was first on their list of candidates. Eran Ben-Yemini and Alon Tal were second and third.

Their election plan focused on the environment. It also included ideas about education, social fairness, and different religions living together. However, this alliance did not win any seats in the Knesset. They did not get enough votes to pass the minimum percentage needed to enter parliament.

Joining Other Parties

In the 2013 elections, the Green Movement joined forces with Tzipi Livni's party, Hatnua. Alon Tal, who was the party leader then, was placed 13th on their list. But Hatnua only won 6 seats, so he did not get into the Knesset. After this election, Yael Cohen Paran became the new co-chair of the Green Movement.

For the 2015 elections, the Green Movement joined a big group called the Zionist Union. This group included Hatnua and the Labor Party. Tzipi Livni chose Yael Cohen Paran for the 25th spot on their list. Paran did not get elected at first. However, she later entered the Knesset in November 2015 when another member resigned.

Focus in the Knesset

While in the Knesset, the Green Movement worked on important environmental issues. A main focus was the harmful pollution in Haifa Bay. This pollution was affecting nearby neighborhoods. They also worked on air pollution across the country.

Yael Cohen Paran led a special group in parliament. This group looked into using renewable energy in Israel. She also helped start a study on how Israel could become a "carbon-free" country. This means producing no carbon pollution. She also worked on laws to make new tall buildings use solar power systems.

New Leadership and Alliances

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

Later, for the 2020 elections, the party changed its name to the Green Party. They decided not to run in these elections on their own.

What the Green Party Believes In

The Green Party has clear goals, which are listed on its website:

They want to make life better for Israeli citizens. This includes improving health, well-being, education, and success.
They believe in taking care of people and the planet. They want everyone to live in a healthy and respectful environment, now and in the future. This is called a sustainable environment.
They support different ways of life. They respect every person, no matter their religion, background, gender, or sexual orientation. This is called pluralism.
They work to protect the rights of animals and those who cannot protect themselves.
They want to put the Green New Deal into action. This is a plan for big changes to fight climate change and create jobs.

Election Results Summary

The Green Party has participated in several elections. Here is a summary of how they have done:

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