ABSTRACT
Since the establishment of the State of Israel (1948), the National Religious Party (founded by the Mizrachi and Hapoel Hamizrachi m ovem ents1 has been characterized by relatively stable electoral support. In the N inth Knesset elections (1977), voters “ punished” no t only the Alignment bu t also its traditional coalition partner — the Independent Liberals (Progressives.2 However, despite the fact that the NRP had been part of virtually all Labor (Mapai) govern ments — and despite the party ’s “historic alliance” with Mapai in the Zionist Executive and “ National Institu tions,” extending back to the 1930s — the NRP no t only retained but actually increased its support in those elections.3 In light of this impressive achievement, NRP circles expressed the view that party appeal had extended beyond its traditional stronghold — the national-religious public — reaching other sectors of the population who m aintained positive attitudes towards the Jewish religion and traditions. Thus, the NRP might become a centrist party.
