Tzipi Livni—former Israeli Foreign Minister, Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Justice, and leader of the opposition—provides her unique perspective on the future of Israel and the Middle East region.
Organized by the UCLA Y&S Nazarian Center for Israel Studies. Co-sponsored by the UCLA Department of Political Science.
About the Speakers
Tzipi Livni, is an Israeli stateswoman widely regarded as the most influential woman in Israel since Golda Meir.
Livni was the Israeli Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Minister of Justice. During this period, Livni was recognized by TIME magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world. She demonstrated steadfast leadership and an unwavering commitment to Israel's democratic principles and peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors while safeguarding Israel’s security interests.
As the leader of centrist political parties, including Israel's largest party, her vision reconciles Israel's identity as a democratic nation-state for the Jewish people, and her geopolitical strategic approach focused on two complementary pillars: combating terrorism and engaging with pragmatic forces within the Arab world. Livni also served in various ministerial capacities including Minister of Regional Cooperation, Minister of Immigrant Absorption, Minister of Housing and Construction, Minister of Agriculture, and Leader of the Opposition. She is known for her integrity in politics, was granted Quality of Governance Awards, and her ministerial roles have resulted in significant contributions to both domestic and international affairs.
Livni’s pivotal role in national security affairs is undeniable, having served as a member of the Israeli National Security Cabinet and as part of the esteemed "Security Trio" that decided on the attack that destroyed Syria’s military nuclear project and also initiated the United Nation Security Council’s resolution against the Hezbollah in Lebanon. Livni initiated peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, and—as Israel's chief negotiator during the last rounds of negotiations in 2008 and 2013—she displayed diplomatic acumen and a steadfast commitment to fostering dialogue.
Beyond her political career, Livni remains a prominent advocate for Israel’s democracy, peace, and security, playing a distinguished role in academia and international affairs. She served as a Senior Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School and continues to contribute as an active board member of esteemed organizations such as the INSS Institute for National Security Studies, International Crisis Group (ICG), and leading corporations. Simultaneously, Livni avidly shares her expertise and insights as an international speaker and strategic consultant.
Professor Dov Waxman (Moderator) is the director of the UCLA Y&S Nazarian Center for Israel Studies. He is a professor of Political Science and The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation Chair of Israel Studies at UCLA. Waxman's research focuses on the conflict over Israel–Palestine, Israeli politics and foreign policy, US–Israel relations, American Jewry’s relationship with Israel, Jewish politics, and anti-Semitism. He is the author of dozens of scholarly articles and four books, most recently The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: What Everyone Needs to Know (Oxford University Press, 2019).
DISCLAIMER: The views or opinions of our guest speakers and the content of their presentations do not necessarily reflect the views of the UCLA Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for Israel Studies. Hosting speakers does not constitute an endorsement of the speaker's views or opinions.
Published: Tuesday, February 27, 2024