Camp David Accords

Explanation and Analysis of the Document

The document begins with a preamble that outlines the state of affairs between the two nations and recognizes that recent events, particularly Sadat's visit to Israel and Begin's visit to the Egyptian city of Ismailia, created a historic opportunity for peace. Reference is made to UN Security Council Resolution 242, issued in 1967 in the wake of the Six-Day War of that year and often cited as the basis for peace. The resolution recognized the “inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by war and the need to work for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East in which every State in the area can live in security.” Mention is also made of UN Security Council Resolution 338, which called for a cease-fire in the 1973 Yom Kippur War.

Under the heading “Framework,” Israel agrees to withdraw its forces and civilian administration from Gaza and the West Bank. These territories would become self-governing, the Palestinians were to be allowed to take part in any negotiations, and Jordanians were to be included in any arrangements. Perhaps most important, the parties agree that “Egypt-Israel undertake not to resort to the threat or the use of force to settle disputes” and stipulate that Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon are to be part of the peace process. The parties also agree to normalize relations with each other under the terms of the United Nations Charter. This meant that each would fully recognize the legitimacy of the other, that economic boycotts would not be employed, and that the citizens of one state living under the jurisdiction of the other would enjoy “protection of the due process of law.”