By Makadir Ajam

IN “The Failed Palestinian–Israeli Peace Process 1993–2011: An Israeli Perspective,” published in Israel Affairs in 2012, Raphael Cohen-Almagor offers a critical analysis of the peace process from an Israeli viewpoint.

This article delves into the challenges, missteps, and complexities that characterized the peace efforts over nearly two decades, providing insights into why these initiatives ultimately did not achieve lasting peace.

Cohen-Almagor begins by contextualizing the peace process within the historical framework of Israeli-Palestinian relations. The period from 1993 to 2011 encompasses significant events and initiatives aimed at resolving the conflict, starting with the Oslo Accords in the early 1990s and extending through various attempts to rekindle negotiations in the following years.

Key Phases and Developments:

Oslo Accords and Initial Optimism:
The Oslo Accords, signed in 1993, marked a groundbreaking moment, creating a framework for negotiations and establishing the Palestinian Authority. This period was characterized by cautious optimism and a belief that peace was achievable through mutual recognition and dialogue.

Challenges to Oslo:
Despite initial progress, the Oslo process faced significant obstacles, including ongoing violence, mutual distrust, and political opposition from hardline factions on both sides. The assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin in 1995 by a Jewish extremist was a critical blow, highlighting internal divisions within Israeli society.

Camp David Summit and the Second Intifada:
The Camp David Summit in 2000, involving Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, and U.S. President Bill Clinton, failed to produce a final agreement. The summit’s collapse was followed by the outbreak of the Second Intifada, a period of intensified violence that severely undermined the peace process.

The Road Map and Subsequent Initiatives:
Cohen-Almagor examines the 2003 Road Map for Peace, proposed by the Quartet (the U.S., EU, UN, and Russia), which outlined steps towards a two-state solution. However, this plan also faced implementation challenges and did not lead to a lasting resolution.

Gaza Disengagement and Continued Strife:
In 2005, Israel unilaterally disengaged from the Gaza Strip, hoping to reduce tensions and move towards peace. However, the rise of Hamas and continued rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel complicated the situation further, leading to military responses and heightened conflict.

Factors Contributing to the Failure:

Mutual Distrust and Security Concerns:
Cohen-Almagor emphasizes that deep-seated mistrust between Israelis and Palestinians was a significant barrier to peace. Security concerns, especially regarding terrorism and violence, influenced Israeli public opinion and policy decisions, often prioritizing security over peace negotiations.

Leadership Challenges and Political Dynamics:
The article critiques both Israeli and Palestinian leadership for their inability to make the necessary compromises. Internal political dynamics, including pressure from right-wing factions in Israel and the division between Fatah and Hamas among Palestinians, further complicated the peace efforts.

Role of International Community:
Cohen-Almagor discusses the involvement of international actors, particularly the United States, in mediating the peace process. While international support was crucial, the perception of bias and the failure to adequately address key issues, such as settlements and refugees, limited the effectiveness of external interventions.

Impact of Settlements and Territorial Disputes:
The expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank is highlighted as a contentious issue that undermined trust and complicated negotiations. Disagreements over borders and the status of Jerusalem remained major sticking points.

Concluding Reflections:
Cohen-Almagor concludes with a somber assessment of the peace process, noting that while there were moments of hope and significant efforts towards peace, the underlying issues and mutual distrust ultimately led to the failure of these initiatives. He calls for renewed efforts to build trust, address core issues, and engage in sustained dialogue to achieve a viable and lasting peace.

“The Failed Palestinian–Israeli Peace Process 1993–2011: An Israeli Perspective” provides a comprehensive and critical examination of the complexities and challenges that have hindered the peace process, offering valuable insights into the dynamics of Israeli-Palestinian relations and the prospects for future peace efforts.