Clinton Administration Seeks to Put Best Face on Fading Prospect of Israeli-Palestinian Accord

The Clinton administration attempted to downplay concerns about the prospects for a successful Israeli-Palestinian summit meeting at Camp David, citing Prime Minister Ehud Barak's still-strong popular support and the united front presented by leaders Yasser Arafat and Barak. Despite a tumultuous day in Jerusalem, where Barak's government survived a no-confidence vote, the administration insisted that Barak retained sufficient backing to negotiate a deal. However, administration officials acknowledged that the prime minister's weakened position might make securing concessions from Arafat more challenging.

Key Takeaways:

• The Clinton administration has shifted its expectations for the Camp David summit, acknowledging that the chances for a comprehensive end-of-conflict accord had diminished.
• Despite Prime Minister Ehud Barak's weakened position, the administration still believes he has sufficient popular support to reach an agreement with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.
• Barak's predicament has made him more willing to take the heat for moving forward with negotiations, according to a senior administration official.
• Secretary of State Madeleine Albright stated that Barak enjoys more than 55% support from Israelis and can take an agreement to the people.
• Israeli opinion polls are unpredictable, and diplomats in the region have expressed concerns that an agreement would be portrayed as a sellout by the Israeli right wing.
• President Clinton has avoided setting an artificial deadline for the talks, allowing room for various scenarios, including a deal on core issues or general principles.

Statistics:

• More than 55% of Israelis support Prime Minister Ehud Barak (according to Secretary of State Madeleine Albright).
• The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been fueled by core issues for over 50 years (according to President Clinton).

Sources:

• The New York Times, July [no date mentioned].