The Great MacGuffin and the Quest for the Holy Grail
Mar 1, 2024
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Explore the history of Israeli-Palestinian peace process, American diplomatic involvement, challenges in reaching peace, religious and geopolitical dynamics in conflicts, Israeli skepticism of liberal order, hurdles faced by Palestinians in statehood, complexities of Israeli settlements, and the role of American administrations in Middle East peace efforts.
The Israeli-Palestinian peace process spanned decades, involving various negotiations and agreements, with American presidents playing key roles.
Israeli and Palestinian perspectives diverged based on historical, cultural, and geopolitical factors, impacting the negotiations and peace efforts.
American-led peace efforts in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict aimed not only for regional stability but also to promote liberal values and democracy in the Middle East.
Deep dives
Complex History of the Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process
The Israeli-Palestinian peace process has spanned decades and involved numerous negotiations and agreements. Starting with Harry Truman's early efforts, subsequent American presidents continued to push for peace, with developments like the Oslo Accords during Bill Clinton's administration and the Y River Memorandum under George W. Bush. Despite attempts, significant progress was made during secret negotiations between Israel and the PLO, leading to the establishment of the Palestinian Authority in 1994.
Challenges and Setbacks in Peace Negotiations
The pace of peace negotiations slowed after the Oslo Accords, facing obstacles like the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. Subsequent administrations under Clinton, Bush, and Obama struggled with issues like Israeli-Palestinian violence and settlement expansions. Efforts by various presidents to facilitate peace, including the Clinton parameters and the Roadmap for Peace, faced hurdles like the Second Intifada and a lack of lasting agreements.
Impacts of Peace Efforts on the Middle East Dynamics
The engagement in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process contributed to the focus of American attention and resources in the region. The engagement of various international bodies and organizations, along with civil society, highlighted the global significance of the conflict. American-led peace efforts aimed not only for regional stability but also to promote liberal values and democracy in the Middle East.
Divergent Perspectives from Israeli and Palestinian Communities
Israeli and Palestinian views on the peace process diverged based on historical, cultural, and geopolitical factors. Israeli perspectives ranged from support for liberal order and compromise to desires for territorial expansion, reflecting diverse political orientations within Israeli society. On the other hand, Palestinians faced challenges negotiating from a position of relative powerlessness, balancing between seeking a fair agreement and addressing deep-rooted historical grievances.
Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Territories
The presence and expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied territories, particularly those further inside the future Palestinian state, pose significant challenges for peace negotiators. Settlements close to Jerusalem and the Green Line are seen as less problematic since negotiators assume Israel would retain these in any final peace agreement. However, expansion of settlements into areas near Jerusalem raises concerns about the viability of a Palestinian state and exacerbates tensions between the two communities. The settlers' presence heightens injustices and contributes to inter-communal violence, eroding trust and creating a perception of systemic injustice, which hampers peace efforts.
The Peace Process and Diplomatic Efforts
The decades-long peace process, while failing to end the conflict, was a diplomatic success for the U.S., as it reduced regional risks and facilitated alliance management. American sponsorship of the peace process helped Israel manage its relations with Europe, while drawing leading armed factions into a political process. The peace process constrained the Palestinian movement, making it dependent on foreign aid and limiting its freedom of action. Despite its shortcomings, the peace process played a crucial role in managing conflicts and alliances in the region, benefitting various stakeholders including the U.S., Israel, and conservative Arab states.
This week, Walter and Jeremy are on the road. So in place of regular programming, we’re bringing you something special: an extended excerpt from Walter’s most recent book, The Arc of a Covenant: The United States, Israel, and the Fate of the Jewish People.
What you’re about to hear is Chapter 16 of that book, about the history of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and where it fits in American diplomatic history and American domestic politics. If you like what you hear, which we’re certain you will, you can get the whole volume at all your finest book and audiobook sellers.
GET IT HERE: The Arc of a Covenant: The United States, Israel, and the Fate of the Jewish People by Walter Russell Mead (Vintage, 2023)
Each week on What Really Matters, Walter Russell Mead and Jeremy Stern help you understand the news, decide what matters and what doesn’t, and enjoy following the story of America and the world more than you do now. For more, check out tabletmag.com/what-really-matters. You can read Walter Russell Mead’s Tablet column here, and check out more from Tablet here.
