Local Mediation with Religious Actors in Israel-Palestine

Israeli-Palestinian peace talks have failed thus far, for numerous reasons. One specific challenge has been how to address the concerns of religious actors, argues Simon Mason in this CSS Analysis. Local mediators’ engagement with religious actors highlight some ways forward, with insights relevant beyond the specific Israeli-Palestinian context.

by Sara Rodriguez Martinez
Gate to the Temple Mount / Haram al-Sharif.
Gate to the Temple Mount / Haram al-Sharif. Ammar Awad / Reuters

The religious-secular divide that crosses the Israeli-Palestinian divide is not the only or main reason for blockage of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. There are many reasons for the failure of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks to date, including the power asymmetry between Palestinians and Israelis, and the US’ favoring of Israel. Another factor has been the lack of a common objective for peace talks, acceptable to a majority of Israelis and Palestinians. There has also not been a consensus so far on the minimal parameters an agreement would have to fulfill, such as those related to the civil and political rights for people who see their home in the territory situated between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River.

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