The Israeli Labor Alignment Party, formed on January 1, 1968, is a merger of left wing socialist parties that include Mapai, Achdut Ha’Avodah, Poalei Zion and Rafi. They then join with the Mapam Party. After the unification, this alliance holds 63 of 120 seats in the Knesset. Israeli political parties are increasingly forming political coalitions to bolster their parliamentary influence. In 1973, the Liberal and Herut Parties, those on the right of the political spectrum, join forces to form the Likud Party.