Livni lifts spirits

Too often the discourse surrounding the ongoing Arab-Israeli conflict focuses on divergent narratives. Complex ideas loaded with emotional and historical baggage are rarely unpacked but often used as rhetorical crutches to score political points. Among the most common, casual observers often hear about Greater Israel, the naqba, the right of return, terrorism, and even victimhood. While these narratives stem from legitimate sources, their (mis)use often merely serves to complicate attempts at ending conflict.

Moving away from such common narratives, US Secretary of State John Kerry is attempting to restart negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians. With numerous trips to the region since January, Secretary Kerry has renewed enthusiasm in the international community, raised expectations, and will attempt to succeed where so many before him have failed.  Both the Israeli and Palestinian leadership have yet to show any sustained confidence in the renewed process and no new rounds of negotiations are currently scheduled.

Yet last night, in front of an audience of over 1000 people, Israeli Justice Minister Tzipi Livni delivered an impassioned policy speech reiterating the need for a comprehensive two-state solution for the Israeli and Palestinian peoples. Addressing the American Jewish Committee’s (AJC) Global Forum, an annual policy summit in Washington DC, Minister Livni urged the audience to move past formulaic narratives and to focus instead on the demographic realities. Touching on values such as pluralism, democracy, and equality Minister Livni highlighted Israeli willingness to enter negotiations and end hostilities.  She also stressed that any resolution must be fair, balanced, and accepted by all principal parties and all people.

Livni, a seasoned veteran of Middle Eastern politics, has been tapped by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be the chief negotiator in talks with Palestinian leadership. In this capacity she has repeatedly called for an agreement based on the principle of two states for two people. Speaking in front of an overwhelmingly friendly audience, Minister Livni framed her argument as one central to the continuity of a Jewish and democratic Israeli society. It is her belief, and one shared by an increasing number of Israelis, that the State of Israel cannot remain both Jewish and democratic if the conflict with the Palestinian people endures indefinitely. Therefore, ending the conflict with the Palestinians will be in the best interest of the Israeli people.

Like any successful politician Livni understands that the benefit of any change in the status quo must outweigh its cost. She told the audience on Monday night that a two-state solution is not “a favor” to the Palestinians, the international community, or even the current US administration, but rather something that Israelis must do for themselves. Speaking about her family’s storied connection to Israel, Livni maintained that Israelis have the right to all of the land of Israel, including areas currently under dispute.

Yet, she challenged the crowd by unequivocally stating that the conflict is no longer about right and wrong or even “who is more right.” Instead, she believes that Israel must make a choice: either to accept the realities on the ground and begin to answer many of the legitimate questions some young Israelis now pose or compromise the true character of the Israeli state.

Despite Minister Livni’s seriousness about negotiating with the Palestinians, it remains to be seen whether any tangible progress will be made in the near term. While Livni remains an ardent supporter of the two-state solution, other influential parties in the Israeli ruling coalition do not share such sentiments. It is unclear whether Prime Minister Netanyahu will be willing to compromise with the Palestinians. Further, the Palestinian leadership remains fragmented and disputes between rivals Hamas and Fatah further obfuscate the prospects for a credible peace process.

Secretary Kerry, who had spoken earlier to the AJC audience, has thus far demonstrated a sincere commitment to the future of the Middle East. US re-engagement in the region and increased support of other international actors should encourage both Palestinians and Israelis. The revised Arab Peace Initiative, recently reissued by the Arab League, represents a readiness among some quarters within the Arab and Muslim world to accept the same realities that Minister Livni highlighted. While some Israeli leaders have rejected the initiative, Minister Livni appeared more sympathetic to the proposal and believes that compromises can be gleaned from it.

The question now is whether the Israelis and Palestinians will seize the momentum created by Secretary Kerry, undertaking confidence building measures and ultimately creating the conditions for renewed talks that are both balanced and comprehensive.