JERUSALEM: Thirty-eight parties are running on 34 lists in Israel's general election on Tuesday. Here is an outline of the main factions and their key campaigning points.

LIKUD BEITENU

Rightwing, nationalist, economic liberals

A joint list fusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's rightwing Likud (27) with the rightwing secular Yisrael Beitenu (15) of former foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman.

A strong emphasis on security and support for a resumption of peace talks without preconditions. Traditionally opposed to Palestinian statehood, in June 2009, Netanyahu said he would accept a demilitarised state in exchange for a peace deal.

Polls predict victory for Netanyahu whose new government is expected to be more rightwing than the outgoing coalition.

Slogan: A strong prime minister for a strong Israel

LABOUR

Centre-left, social democrats

Favours social justice, creation of a Palestinian state

After years as Israel's natural party of government, Labour suffered its worst defeat in 2009 when it won just 13 seats, which fell to eight in 2011 when leader Ehud Barak bolted to set up Independence, which is not running.

Now headed by Shelly Yachimovich, it has a strong social justice agenda; polls suggest it would come second with around 17 seats.

Slogan: The situation can be better here

JEWISH HOME

Hardline nationalist, religious

Opposes Palestinian statehood, backs settlements, favours annexing around 60 percent of the West Bank, known as Area C.

Headed by Naftali Bennett, rising star of the right, it is the party of choice for Jewish settlers; won three mandates in 2009 but has since merged with the far-right National Union and is seen taking the third highest number of votes.

Slogan: The start of something new

SHAS

Ultra-Orthodox, Sephardi

Opposes plans to draft ultra-Orthodox into military service; social justice for the community.

Headed by Eli Yishai, Arye Deri and Ariel Attias, the party took 11 seats in 2009, but lost one when an MP left to form the Am Shalem party.

Slogan: Only a strong Shas can take care of the weak

UNITED TORAH JUDAISM

Ultra-Orthodox, Ashkenazi

Opposes plans to draft ultra-Orthodox into military service

Headed by Yaakov Litzman and Moshe Gafni, it took five seats in 2009.

Slogan: We are all ultra-Orthodox

HATNUAH

Centrist

Favours creation of Palestinian state and a more equal sharing of military service.

Set up in late 2012 by former foreign minister Tzipi Livni, the party was joined by seven Kadima MPs, positioning itself as the true centre of the political spectrum; strong emphasis on resuming talks with the Palestinians.

Slogan: Hope overcomes fear

YESH ATID

Centrist

Liberal economic outlook, but focus on supporting middle class; wants to see the ultra-Orthodox share the burden of army service; supports resuming talks with Palestinians.

Set up in 2012 by former journalist Yair Lapid who has campaigned for an overhaul of the government system.

Slogan: We're going to change things

KADIMA

Centre-right

Favours military service for all, talks with the Palestinians

Headed by former defence minister Shaul Mofaz, it won 28 seats in 2009 but shed seven when Livni set up HaTnuah; polls indicate the party is heading for a rout and will barely make it across the electoral threshold.

Slogan: Onward

MERETZ

Leftwing

Favours an Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank and establishment of a Palestinian state; peace treaties with Syria and Lebanon and civil rights for all.

Headed by Zahava Gal-On, it won three mandates in 2009 and is seen winning several more this time.

Slogan: The only party on the left

OTZMA LEYISRAEL

Extreme rightwing

Led by former National Union MPs Aryeh Eldad and Michael Ben-Ari.

Slogan: No rights without obligations

UNITED ARAB LIST/RAM TAL

Arab nationalist

Headed by Ibrahim Sarsur, it is one of the two main Arab parties; won four mandates in the last election, but lost one when Taleb al-Sana left to re-establish the Arab Democratic party; is supported by Muslim Israeli Arabs and Bedouins.

ARAB DEMOCRATIC PARTY

Arab democratic

Led by Taleb al-Sana, the longest-serving Arab Israeli MP.

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC ASSEMBLY/BALAD

Secular Arab faction

One of the two main Arab-Israeli parties in parliament and led by Jamal Zahalka. Won three seats in 2009; supported mainly by secular Arab Israelis.

HADASH

Arab-Jewish socialist alliance

Led by Mohammad Barakeh, won four seats in 2009; like Balad, is supported mainly by secular Arab Israelis.