The literature of conflict transformation, especially concerning national conflicts in a colonial context, emphasizes as a precondition for reconciliation "recognition of equal worth," which in turn requires self- transformation, separation, and taking responsibility for past injustices. This article examines the writings and speeches of Israeli leaders during the Oslo process through this lens. Focusing on the peace leaders' discourse also sheds light on the hesitations that characterize the peace process in Israel and demonstrates how a change in the traditional narrative would threaten Israeli society's self perception.
Amal Jamal is a lecturer in political science at Tel Aviv University and Western Galilee College. He would like to thank the Arab-Jewish Center at the University of Haifa for its financial assistance in completing this research.