Pressure for Mutual De-Radicalization – Preventing the Next Horrors
A policy Paper by the Pro-Human Campaign, under the umbrella of Rabbis for Human Rights
Executive Summary:
A program of mutual de-radicalization for Israelis and Palestinians is urgently needed. The international community, together with civil society and governments on both sides, would be wise to develop and promote such an initiative. Incentives—and, where necessary, pressure—may be required to ensure participation and follow-through. This is all the more pressing given the highly volatile situation and the critical crossroads we face—one that could lead either toward reconciliation or into deeper extremism and violence.
Proven effective in other national contexts—and increasingly drawing on new, innovative tools—such an approach should complement more traditional peace-building efforts. A combination of bottom-up and top-down strategies is essential: both the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority should be pressed to adopt the program so that it does not remain confined to civil society, though NGOs can and should play a key supporting role regardless of governmental alignment.
The initiative may also be relatively easy to promote, as it aligns with the spirit of President Trump’s “21-Point Plan.” Its reciprocal nature—benefiting both sides—can enhance its credibility, legitimacy, and effectiveness compared with any one-sided approach.
