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The Peace Process

Israel desires peace achieved through direct negotiations. Regardless of political party, Israeli leaders have consistently been willing to negotiate and make compromises on territory for peace. In 2000, Israel offered to withdraw from all of Gaza and up to 97 percent of the West Bank. In 2005, Israel unilaterally withdrew all its troops and Jewish families from the Gaza Strip, and in 2008 Israel offered roughly 98 percent of the West Bank as well as East Jerusalem for a future Palestinian capital. However, in all cases, Palestinian leadership has refused the gestures for peace. Peace requires two partners talking side by side.

key points

• Israel has signed peace agreements with Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994.
• Israeli leaders, regardless of political party, have consistently proven willing to give up land for peace and security, demonstrating this with Israel’s withdrawal from Sinai in 1979, southern Lebanon in 2000, and Gaza in 2005.
• Peace negotiations with Palestinians have achieved progress at times, however they have been stalled by violence and unwillingness by Palestinian leadership to negotiate and compromise.
• Instead of negotiating, the Palestinians are seeking unilateral recognition for a state without talking to Israel.

SEE HERE for Main Negotiating Points Between Israel and the Palestinian Authority

MAIN MESSAGES

• Mutual peace requires mutual recognition: Israel supports a two-state solution achieved through direct negotiations and opposes any Palestinian unilateral declaration of independence. Such action would hinder prospects for peace and fail to resolve the major issues. Nations that provide unilateral recognition give Palestinians a way out of dialogue.

• Israel has made sacrifices for peace: Netanyahu imposed a building freeze in the West Bank to meet Palestinian demands and has publicly said he is willing to “make difficult compromises for peace.”

• Direct talks are the key for peace: Netanyahu has consistently said he is willing to pursue one-on-one talks with Abbas until an agreement is reached. However…

• The Palestinian leadership refuses to meet: While Israel went so far as to suspend ordinary building projects, the Palestinian leadership did not come to the negotiating table until three weeks before the end of the building freeze.

• It is time for the world to crack down on incitement: The Palestinian Authority must root out advocacy of violence, jihad, and anti-Semitism in the media and in schools.

• Hamas must recognize Israel’s right to exist, abandon violence, and abide by past agreements. Failure to meet those conditions should render the new Palestinian unity government as illegitimate.

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ISSUE BRIEF: Current State of the Peace Process (PDF), 8/1/2011