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Barak, Ehud

Clinton's Mideast Peace Proposals Face Challenges as Israeli and Palestinian Leaders Conditionally Accept

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak has agreed to proceed with President Clinton's Mideast peace proposals, but Palestinian leader Yasir Arafat's conditional acceptance has raised concerns about the feasibility of reaching a final compromise in the next two and a half weeks. Arafat's reservations on key issues such as Jerusalem, refugees, and settlements have reopened major points of contention, casting doubt on the prospects of a comprehensive peace agreement.

Key Takeaways:

  • Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak has agreed to proceed with President Clinton's Mideast peace proposals, which include Palestinian sovereignty over 100% of the Gaza Strip and more than 90% of the West Bank.
  • Palestinian leader Yasir Arafat has conditionally accepted the proposals, but his reservations on key issues such as Jerusalem, refugees, and settlements have raised concerns about the feasibility of reaching a final compromise.
  • The Palestinians have published a set of reservations that seems to reopen all three major issues, making it challenging to settle in the remaining two and a half weeks of President Clinton's term.
  • The White House will continue to try to narrow the gaps blocking a settlement, but talks on the final terms of a framework peace agreement may not start until the end of next week, with Clinton, Barak, and Arafat participating.
  • The Israeli prime minister has demonstrated commendable dedication to pursuing peace, but Arafat's spirit of compromise remains uncertain.
  • A framework agreement with essential details to be filled in later is the most likely outcome, but this will require a greater spirit of compromise from the Palestinian leader.

Statistics:

  • 100% of the Gaza Strip will be under Palestinian sovereignty according to the Clinton proposals.
  • More than 90% of the West Bank will be under Palestinian sovereignty.
  • 100% of Arab-inhabited areas in Jerusalem will be under Palestinian sovereignty.
  • Palestinian refugees will not be allowed to return to their old homes in Israel.
  • Most Jewish settlers in the West Bank will be allowed to remain.

Sources:

  • The New York Times, "Israeli and Palestinian Leaders Agree to Continue Peace Talks"

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