Research

Israeli-Style Federalism

Organizers: Prof. Issi Rosen-Zvi & Dr. Yael Shomer (Political Science)

The deep social divisions and ideological rifts between the different groups that make up Israeli society—exacerbated by the judicial overhaul and the October 7 war—have given renewed momentum to the idea of transforming Israel into a federal or quasi-federal state. In a short period of time, no fewer than four different proposals for the federalization of Israel have been put forward. These proposals are based on the territorial and political separation of the four “tribes” of Israeli society: secular, national-religious, ultra-Orthodox, and Arab—each with its own distinct identity and vision for the character and role of the state.

Another longstanding question in the public discourse is whether a federal or confederal structure could serve as a solution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.

The research group will examine the question of Israel–Palestine federalization from a variety of perspectives—legal, political, social, geographic, and economic—and will ask: Is it feasible? Is it desirable? And what might be the possible implications of adopting a federal structure in a state like Israel?