Abstract:
The present study was conducted to understand how mutual recognition between Israeli and Palestinians can be achieved through the process of reconciliation and what is required to set this process in motion. For that purpose, both qualitative and quantitative methods were used, whereof 225 respondents participated in a questionnaire and four participated in qualitative interviews. The target group consisted of Israeli and Palestinian citizens of different ages and socio-economic backgrounds. The results of factor analysis show that mutual recognition and living in harmony is the most crucial factor supporting the achievement of reconciliation. This is explainable, as mutual recognition is an inherent part of reconciliation itself, where their processes overlap. Other factors that are important to achieve reconciliation are reduced anxiety toward ‘the other’ and reduced collective threat, mutual understanding of violence, and perceived equality. Limiting factors of reconciliation are limited contact between Israelis and Palestinians, lack of freedom of movement, perceived inequality, and the Israeli government due to corruption and lack of democracy. Finally, this theses discusses various methodological limitations.
Keywords: reconciliation, mutual recognition, common identity, Israel-Palestine
