Israel general discussion

[parochial boy]

Sorry to display my complete ignorance of Israeli politics, but given the way that demographics tend to vote, is it not surprising that there isn't really a party that combined stron on defence/nationalist rhetoric with economic populism?

I vaguely remember people getting excited about Shas a couple of years ago, but aren't they basically completely out of the question for anyone who isnt a Haredie Mizrahi?

[parochial boy]

Why are Shas polling so badly? Where would their voters even go other than the Likud?

[parochial boy]

Would there ever be any chance of the Joint List propping up a leftist/non-Likud government?

I mean, I assume they are complete untouchables for any formal coalition, but would support from outside the government be a possibility? In which case a non-Likud coalition could govern with less than 60 MKs?

I know there are a few crazies in the Arab parties, but Odeh seems like a pretty reasonable guy.

[parochial boy]

Thank you for quoting a 7 year old post so that you could enlighten us with that highly sophisticated take on the situation in the middle east.