In the latest episode of Leadership in Action, a documentary series by the Bertelsmann Foundation and the Aspen Ministers Forum, Israel’s former Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni offers a candid look at her experiences during the last two rounds (2007 and 2013-2014) of high-stakes negotiations with the Palestinian Authority. Filmed before the October 7 attack and the subsequent war in Gaza, this episode provides a powerful glimpse into the diplomacy, challenges, and leadership required for peace negotiations. Livni’s work focused on a “two states for two peoples” solution, an approach aimed at fulfilling the aspirations of both Jewish self-determination and Palestinian nationhood. Through these difficult discussions, she stressed compromise and the need to move beyond old narratives to build a safe and promising future for generations to come.
Growing up in Tel Aviv with a family of Irgun activists, Livni was surrounded by stories of revolution and developed a keen awareness of Israel’s complex political climate. Later, in 1996, when the people of Israel were extremely divided following the Oslo Accords signed by former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, Livni entered politics as a member of the Likud Party to make her voice heard in the pursuit of peace with the Palestinians. Guided by a moral compass rooted in the principle of mutual respect, Livni became a crucial voice in shaping peace agreements, promoting trust and compromise as the foundation for meaningful dialogue. Her pragmatic approach sought to balance the need for national security with the equally essential pursuit of human dignity and coexistence.
As the world confronts increasing division and conflict, Livni’s story is a timely reminder of the courage, creative problem-solving, and discernment required to push forward with ideals that may seem distant or even impossible to achieve. Her legacy challenges us to look beyond today’s conflicts and consider the long road to peace and harmony, urging leaders to prioritize values that serve not just one side, but humanity as a whole.
With all the Leadership in Action episodes, our aim is to highlight the work of skilled negotiators and diplomats as they attempt to resolve the world’s most intractable challenges. Watch more videos from the Leadership in Action series here.
The Aspen Ministers Forum is a resolutely nonpartisan initiative of former Foreign Ministers from around the world. The group meets regularly to engage in roundtable discussions and various forums where participants leverage their history of constructive negotiations, policy acumen, and continued influence to develop new strategies that address difficult global problems. Learn more about the Aspen Ministers Forum here.
