Since 1977, the Likud has won most elections held in Israel. Its old slogan, 'Only Likud Can,' is probably still the most successful campaign slogan in the party’s history; three words that embody a whole political reality. The assumption they’re based on has already turned into a cliché around here: Only a rightist government can lead bold diplomatic moves, because alongside the automatic leftist support, such government can enlist a significant part of the rightist public and politicians who represent it to the cause.
This analysis is very logical, yet it is also premised on two key aspects regarding the Likud prime minister in power: Desire and leadership. Ariel Sharon was so determined to pass the Gaza disengagement that at some point he split Likud and swept half the party behind him. Earlier, Menachem Begin decided to go for a historic peace treaty with Egypt without batting an eyelid."
