Un engagement paradoxal ?

Abstract

National Religious settlers are considered to be the main obstacle to the peace process. Nevertheless, a number of peace initiatives have recently emerged among settlers reaching out to Palestinians. This movement falls within the critique of a paradigm of separation promoted by the Zionist left and advances the coexistence of Israelis and Palestinians across the territory of Mandatory Palestine. Drawing upon a case study, this article investigates motivations, costs, and gratifications of Palestinian involvement. The study of militant careers shows the articulation of incorporated tendencies, political critique, and pragmatic considerations leading to the choice of dialogue. While this involvement may have had serious consequences, gratifications usually exceed the costs. Finally, the analysis of religious references, used by both groups in a deeply asymmetric manner, invites an examination of the transformative potential for this kind of initiative.

Keywords

• Palestinian-settler relations
• religious Zionism
• peace initiatives
• dialogue.
• West Bank