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Barak, Ehud

Clinton Administration Awaits Middle East Peace Proposals, Eyeing Intense Negotiations

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

US President Clinton has proposed a Middle East peace plan that calls for significant concessions from both Israel and the Palestinians. The plan, unveiled last weekend, seeks to establish a Palestinian state with defined borders, offer Israeli sovereignty over the Temple Mount, and grant Palestinian refugees the right to return to Israel. However, the proposals have sparked controversy, with Israeli and Palestinian leaders expressing reservations and concerns.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Clinton administration expects to receive a response from Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Palestinian leader Yasir Arafat by Wednesday, which would pave the way for intense negotiations in Washington.
  • The proposals call for Israel to cede sovereignty over the Temple Mount, while the Palestinians give up their right of return to Israel, a move that is seen as a significant concession for both sides.
  • The negotiations are expected to be tough, with both sides having major questions to clarify, including the exact size of a Palestinian state, security arrangements, and the fate of Palestinian refugees.
  • The Clinton administration is optimistic about the chances of a deal, citing the political pressures on both Barak and Arafat, but admits that it is still a long shot.
  • The Bush team has suggested that the new administration wants to ensure that any peace agreement is sustainable on the ground and not just a deal between two leaders who are out of touch with their constituents.
  • The Israeli right has come out strongly against the proposals, with Likud Party leader Ariel Sharon vowing to oppose any agreement signed by Prime Minister Barak.

Statistics:

  • The Clinton administration has set a provisional deadline of Wednesday for the replies from the Israeli and Palestinian leaders.
  • The Israeli and Palestinian leaders are expected to meet on Thursday in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el Sheik.
  • The proposals call for a Palestinian state with defined borders, including a capital in Jerusalem.
  • The Palestinians would grant Israeli sovereignty over the Temple Mount, but with preservation of Jewish archaeological sites below the surface.
  • The negotiations are expected to focus on security arrangements, including Israeli air force flights over the new Palestinian state.

Sources:

  • "Administration Officials See Opportunity in Peace Process" by Reuters, [no publication date]
  • "Clinton Aides Wait for Reply on Mideast Plan" by Neil Lewis, The New York Times, [no publication date]
  • "Mideast Peace Plan Faces Renewed Obstacles" by Warren Hoge and James Bennet, The New York Times, [no publication date]
  • "Clinton Proposal on Mideast Peace Call for Cession of Temple Mount" by Patrick Tyler and Helene Cooper, The Washington Post, [no publication date]
  • "Middle East Peace Plan Faces Tough Sell on Both Sides" by David E. Sanger and James Bennet, The New York Times, [no publication date]

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