ABSTRACT
There have been numerous attempts to resolve the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, particularly since 1967. This chapter attempts to determine why they have all failed, examining the underlying factors in Israel's approach and the changes that occurred with regard to the major obstacles or challenges as viewed by Israel. As in the case of most conflicts, there are varied characterizations of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict: Ethno-national, religious, territorial, postcolonial, and more. While this may be important for theoreticians or even students of conflict resolution, such characterizations may change over time, particularly in a long-standing conflict such as the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. Most Israelis see themselves as the victims in this conflict. They consciously or unconsciously see the present as a continuation— and also response— to centuries of persecution, exclusion, and attempted annihilation of the Jewish people.
