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Abstract
The collapse of the Kerry talks and the devastating cycle of attacks and reprisals that ensued marked the end of an era, the passing of a time when a negotiated peace seemed a realistic possibility. In considering the way forward in the Palestinian–Israeli conflict, this essay examines the relational changes that brought about the settlement ending apartheid in South Africa, with a focus on three key players: Nelson Mandela, F. W. de Klerk, and Roelf Meyer. It then briefly describes the relation-building framework developed by the Stanford Center on International Conflict and Negotiation and explains how it provides an alternative to solutions-based and rights-based approaches to resolving the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. Drawing inspiration from Martin Luther King, Jr., it concludes with reflections on the importance of non-violence in altering the discourse between Israelis and Palestinians.
Notes
1. The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions Movement (BDS) is the most prominent rights-based approach among Palestinians. Its three foundational goals are:
“ending its occupation and colonization of all Arab lands [occupied in 1967] and dismantling the wall
recognizing the fundamental rights of the Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel to full equality
respecting, protecting, and promoting the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and properties, as stipulated in UN Resolution 194” (Barghouti, Citation2011, p. 6).
BDS refuses cooperation with groups that do not endorse these demands (Barghouti, Citation2011, p. 221). It is interesting to note that these three demands are not rights in and of themselves, but are particular expressions of rights. BDS requires endorsement of a Palestinian rights agenda before the dialogue about rights even begins (Beinart, September 26, Citation2013).