Key Issues

Strengthening Progressive, Left-Wing Ideas in Israel

For Israel’s progressive forces to be perceived as a social alternative, they will need to revise their theoretical framework, open up to new and broader circles, and strengthen their ties with the global Left.

The progressive camp is generally ill-equipped when it comes to theories and concrete praxes relating to the field of economics. Topics such as the commons, the growth of the service sector, global migration and value chains, and even classic topics relating to the welfare state are only discussed in small, isolated activist circles. 

As a result, progressive forces hardly have the means – let alone strategies – to counter the dominance of the nationalist far right. 

Strengthening the Palestinian Minority 

After years of political persecution and neglect, most segments of Palestinian society find themselves weakened and oppressed. They lack a strong Palestinian identity and are engulfed by a sense of helplessness and hopelessness. For reactionary forces, this proves to be a fertile breeding ground. 

Progressive Palestinian actors are confronted with both an oppressive and discriminatory Israeli hegemony as well as reactionary forces within Palestinian society itself.

The RLS therefore supports progressive Palestinian actors in asserting their rights, developing their capacities and strengthening their influence among the Palestinian population. It also helps the Palestinian minority to ensure its voice is better heard among the Jewish majority.

Sustaining Capacities for Civic Action

In recent years, freedom of speech and democratic rights in Israel have come under enormous pressure. This development has been driven by various legislative initiatives including a law to suspend members of the Knesset and an NGO law, as well as by moves to curb press freedom and the Palestinian population’s cultural and language-related rights. 

Faced with such challenges, it is particularly important to identify fresh approaches to fighting the dominance of the nationalist far right and to call for both an end to Israeli occupation and for a society based on equality, justice, emancipation and solidarity. This involves ending the segregation and hostility between Jews and Palestinians in Israel.

The partner organisations involved in all these activities include activists affiliated with political parties, representatives of civil society organisations and NGOs, research institutions, trade unions and independent political groups.


Further information on our key activities and partners can be found on our English ( and German) website.