Federalism, Faith, and the Israel-Palestine Conflict

This event explored how federal governance models and faith-based traditions could offer new pathways toward resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As the traditional peace process stagnated and a problematic “one-state” reality developed on the ground, the discussion examined how confederation, shared governance, and interfaith principles might provide alternatives to the status quo.

Event Description

The panel drew on the work of Challenge’s Federal Forum, launched in 2020, which brought together Israeli and Palestinian activists, scholars, professionals, and practitioners who had independently developed federal ideas and models. The discussion considered findings from the Federal Forum’s report, “A New Federal Paradigm for the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict,” alongside shared principles in international law and faith-based traditions that support cooperative governance. Panelists explored whether governance structures balancing national self-determination with shared authority could promote security, autonomy, and cooperation between communities.

Speakers

• Phil Saunders, Chairman, Challenge; Israeli Chairman, Path of Hope and Peace; Co-founder, Abrahamic Movement and Federal Forum
• Naomi Tsur, Head, Israel Urban Forum; Former Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem (2008–2013); Founder and Chair, Jerusalem Green Fund
• Rabbi Yoel Oz, Co-founder, Abrahamic Movement; Author, Abrahamic Federation: A Solution to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
• Professor Elias Nasri Baboun, Palestinian Catholic Christian Political Activist; Founder, “Unity of Believers” Initiative

Moderators: Rebecca Shoot, Executive Director, CGS, and Alyn Ware, Program Director, WFM-IGP

Co-organizers: Challenge Federal Forum Project, Citizens for Global Solutions, and the World Federalist Movement-Institute for Global Policy (WFM-IGP) Transnational Working Group on Values, Faith-Based Perspectives, and Global Governance.

Policy Focus

• Federal and confederal models as alternatives to the stalled two-state/one-state framework
• Balancing national self-determination with shared governance structures
• The role of faith-based traditions and international law in supporting cooperative solutions
• Building a broader Federal Movement in the region