The Movement for Civil Rights and Peace was formed in 1973 by Shulamit Aloni, a former MK for the Alignment, 48 hours after she had left the party.

In its first test, the 1973 elections, the party received 2% of the vote and won three seats in the Knesset, which were taken by Aloni, new American immigrant Marcia Freedman, and Boaz Moav.

Following Golda Meir's resignation, the party joined Yitzhak Rabin's government and Aloni served as a minister without portfolio.

Also prior to the 1977 elections, the Independent Socialist Faction merged with several other small left-wing parties (Moked, Meri and the Black Panthers) to form the Left Camp of Israel.

During the Knesset session, the party gained another two seats when Yossi Sarid and Mordechai Virshubski joined, defecting from the Alignment and Shinui respectively.

Prior to the 1992 elections the party formed an alliance with Mapam and Shinui named Meretz, whilst keeping their independent status within the union.