Shinui is a centrist party, which focuses on the fight against religious coercion. The party promotes the interests of the middle classes and professionals.
Shinui, which refuses to be a partner in any government that includes ultra-Orthodox parties, won six Knesset seats in the last elections. Shinui is headed by is former Israel Broadcasting Authority chairman, Yosef 'Tommy' Lapid.
Peace processShinui supports the establishment of a Palestinian state, on the condition that the Palestinians waive the right of return to the State of Israel.
The party objects to negotiations with Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat, but calls for talks with more moderate Palestinians. Shinui also calls for negotiations only after a cessation of terror attacks.
Once a peace agreement is worked out, the party is in favor of the evacuation of settlements from the heart of Palestinian population centers, but calls for the annexation of the larger settlement blocs.
Regarding Jerusalem, the party supports a solution that would allow both Jews and Arabs to live side by side, respecting each other's holy sites.
State and religionThe party is working toward a change in the status quo between religious and secular Israelis, and supports the establishment of a secular state, free of religious coercion.
Shinui supports a full separation of state and religion, in order to avert a threat to personal freedom. It also backs the enlistment of yeshiva students and the Tal Law, as well as the running of business, public transport and cultural events on the Sabbath.
Economy and societyShinui voted in favor of the 2003 State Budget. It supports widespread privatization of government corporations and the prevention of government interference in commercial matters.
The party supports government support for entrepreneurs and investment in infrastructure. On the issue of a welfare state, the party backs free education from kindergarten to higher education, and the redirection of resources to the weakest sectors of society.
The party objects to government support of non-profit organizations and believes that money currently invested in religious bodies should be redirected to social causes. It also calls for a reduction in the tax burden on the middle classes.
