The Ichud Leumi was established in opposition to any territorial concessions to the Palestinians. The party espouses the concept of "Greater Israel," which would extend Israel's borders to include all territories captured in the Six Day War.

The Ichud Leumi-Yisrael Beiteinu party was formed in 2000 when two Knesset parties, Ichud Leumi and Yisrael Beiteinu, merged.

Yisrael Beiteinu, formed by Avigdor Lieberman, Benyamin Netanyahu's former chief of staff, received its support from Russian immigrants. The party campaigned against perceived excessive powers of the police force, justice ministry and court system.