Tzipi Livni

on Israel and Palestine

Former member of the Knesset, Foreign Minister, Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Justice, and Leader of the Opposition Fisher Family Fellow, 2019-2020

These are difficult times for those of us who believe in peace between Israel and the Palestinians based on “two states for two peoples.”

Although normalization between Israel and different regional Arab states such as the UAE and Bahrain is a blessed regional game changer, a real “New Middle East” requires peace between Israel and the Palestinians, but extremists are aiming to turn the conflict into an unsolvable religious conflict.

Now, the most important thing is to create a joint policy with the United States, regional countries, and, of course, the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority.

The first critical step is to redirect our shared GPS with “two states for two peoples” as our destination. Then, we need to support that goal with concrete steps: avoiding — and preventing — everything that puts obstacles on this road, while supporting steps that revive hope that peace is possible on both sides. Unfortunately, it’s not around the corner, but by taking the right steps, it can be reached at the end of that road.

An agreement will be possible when pragmatic leadership on both sides understand that the price of not having an agreement for their people is far higher than the price of compromise. Until then, the responsible steps are to avoid passing the point of no return and to keep the road to peace open.

What advice do you have for the next generation of diplomatic practitioners?

When generals say that the military option is the only possibility, explore other options. You may find that diplomatic means can be more effective for national security. And always listen to the women in the room.