The spirit of the Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement lives on—just—says America’s former ambassador
sparkling, cloudless morning in Washington 30 years ago this week when Yitzhak Rabin, the Israeli prime minister, and Yasser Arafat, chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organisation , shook hands on the White House lawn and pledged to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Although America had not been involved in the negotiations President Bill Clinton stood behind the pair, his hands outstretched to symbolise the support that America would provide to the peacemakers.
The Oslo agreement is generally remembered as idealistic, even delusional. In fact, it was based on a realistic assumption that neither side was ready to make lasting peace. Oslo therefore was deliberately designed to ameliorate the conflict, rather than end it. There were no provisions for the establishment of a Palestinian state or the necessary security arrangements, no mention of Jerusalem, and no reference to Palestinian refugees.
The high point came with the Oslo II agreement in Egypt in September 1995. Rabin’s reluctant handshake on the White House lawn had been replaced by Arafat’s brotherly arm on Rabin’s shoulder as they left the signing ceremony. That night Arafat gave an effusive speech about peace with Israel; Rabin noted that he seemed to be “a little Jewish” in his speech-making abilities.
Oslo still enjoyed just enough support in Israel for Ehud Barak, the Labour Party’s successor to Rabin, to win the ensuing election. But his coalition government was shaky and he doubted he could sustain another incremental step. Instead, he persuaded Mr Clinton to abandon Oslo’s requirement for another interim withdrawal in favour of an attempt, at Camp David in July 2000, to resolve all the final-status issues in one fell swoop.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Energy minister Gillian Martin to lead trade delegation to Denmark in renewables bidSCOTLAND'S energy minister Gillian Martin will this week lead a trade delegation to Denmark, it has been announced.
Read more »
Martin O'Neill in Rangers quip after England invite before Scotland showdownHarry Kane and co are making use of the Gers' training facility before the showdown at Hampden.
Read more »
Martin O'Neill jokes about about England's Rangers training ground receptionThe 71-year-old poked fun at the reception he would likely receive if he turned up at Auchenhowie.
Read more »
Martin Lewis urges people to 'stock up' on this £1 item ahead of Christmas'If you’re thinking about Christmas cards for this year or possibly next year or even for Christmas cards 2032 stock up on your stamps now'
Read more »
Shoppers grab £60 of free skincare at Boots as Martin Lewis' MSE says 'go quick'The £32 beauty box contains some highly popular brands like Kiehl’s, Dr Jart, Origins and Liz Earle.
Read more »
Martin Lewis urges people to 'stock up' on stamps before OctoberThere is set to be a big jump in the amount people have to pay
Read more »