Four core issues are central to an Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement: borders, Jerusalem, refugees and security. Israelis and Palestinians started discussing these issues officially in late 1999 and throughout 2000, including at the Camp David summit in July 2000. Negotiations over these issues were renewed at the Annapolis summit in November 2007. Although progress was made at that time, and further progress has been made since, these questions remain at the heart of resolving the conflict.
Borders
The question of how to define the borders between a Palestinian state, including the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and the State of Israel, and the status of Israeli settlements, is central. The Green Line is another name for the 1949 armistice line that serves as the de-facto border between Israel and a future Palestinian state. The settlements and infrastructure Israel has built in the West Bank constitute a significant challenge to drawing a border that creates a contiguous Palestinian state. In the past, discussions about borders have included possible land swaps that take into account larger Israeli settlement blocs and certain points along Israel’s narrow waist.
Jerusalem
Jerusalem is a city holy to Christians, Jews and Muslims. Israel took control of East Jerusalem from the Jordanians during the 1967 War and annexed it into the municipal borders of the city in 1980. As part of the annexation, Palestinians living in the city became Israeli legal residents but not citizens. The U.S. and the majority of the international community does not recognize this status for Jerusalem. The city’s religious significance has made this issue particularly sensitive in previous final status discussions. Jerusalem is the third-holiest city in Islam, holiest city in Judaism and birthplace of Christianity. It is home to the Haram al Sharif/Temple Mount, which includes the Dome of the Rock, al-Aqsa mosque and the Western Wall, the last remaining wall of the Second Temple, as well as the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Via Dolorosa and Mount of Olives. Jordan plays a critical role in administration of the Haram al Sharif through its funding of the Awqaf. The main questions to address include the desire of both sides to have Jerusalem as their capital and the administration of the city, the Old City and holy sites.
Refugees
As part of a final status agreement, the parties will need to find a solution that addresses the status of the several million displaced Palestinian refugees, including 4.7 million registered with UNRWA, that is consistent with the sustainability of the two states. The UN considers refugees to be those who fled their homes in 1948 as well as their descendants. Questions remain about where refugees will permanently settle, compensation, and how to address the “right of return.”
Security
Security for both Israel and the future Palestinian state will be integral for reaching a solution. There are many key questions to address, including the military capacity of the future Palestinian state; control of the airspace; and security coordination, including after a withdrawal of Israeli forces; among others. In 2005, the United States created the office of U.S. Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority to assist the Palestinians in reforming and developing their security capacity. The European Union also supports the Palestinian security sector through the EU Police Coordinating Office for Palestinian Police Support (EUPOL COPPS), which focuses on assisting PA police forces and working to improve the Palestinian criminal justice system.
