Beyond Paralysis: The Reframing of Israeli Peace Activism Since the Second Intifada

Abstract

This article looks at the transformation of Israeli peace activism since the Second Intifada. It does this by focusing on the collective action frames of Israeli peace activism, using framing processes from social movement theory to identify and explain shifts in the ideas and beliefs surrounding the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. It argues that, contrary to conventional wisdom, Israeli peace activism did not reach a “dead‐end point” following the Second Intifada but instead took on a new trajectory. While the moderate component of Israeli peace activism may have become paralyzed, unable and unwilling to respond to the prevailing realities, the radical and alternative components continued to act, transforming their ideas and presenting new ways to challenge the conflict. This article suggests that although these groups have not had an impact in the policy arena, their influence comes in the realm of norm entrepreneurship and therefore their efforts should not be overlooked.