Resolving the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Perspectives on the ...

The Israelis and the Palestinians cannot create such a positive dynamic on their own; they probably need a strong U.S. or international presence to assure the realization of this goal. But unless people begin to feel that there is a connection between nonviolence and a palpable improvement in their daily lives, the problem of violence will never be solved. That is the first immediate impediment. The issue is clear, as are the conventional and nonconventional responses.

The second immediate (and I stress immediate) obstacle for any movement is a growing feeling of distrust, as well as increasing mutual suspicion and doubt. These are far more elusive factors. Why is the fundamental lack of trust between Israelis and Palestinians today an immediate obstacle and not a long-term obstacle? I argue that moods change, and therefore I see what is going on now as an immediate problem that requires a prompt response. A change in mood needs to be nurtured, but right now we have to deal with one of the worst periods of the Israeli-Palestinian relationship that I have ever recalled. These are such difficult days because they are so devoid of hope. This climate underlines the fact that even if an agreement is reached, the bulk of Israelis and Palestinians do not believe that the other side is sincerely committed to its implementation, and they are understandably fearful of placing the fate of their future in the hands of the other.

Such doubts are detrimental for another reason: Some people have given up. Such disaffection, given the lack of trust, is truly challenging because it makes it even harder to mobilize people into action to resolve the situation. The importance of the trust issue is paramount, and it is––in my opinion––the first and foremost an immediate impediment to progress.

What are some possible responses to this problem of overcoming trust issues? The obvious one, which has been articulated by Herbert Kelman (present volume) is to project a vision of living together so as to provide hope and to create a motivator for action. I am a great believer in the role of visions. In crafting a joint vision, the core notion is to bring Israelis and Palestinians together to share a clear, detailed vision of a common future. Such a focus on a shared and improved future will be critical in overcoming the absence of trust.