U.S. President: Bill Clinton (host and mediator)

Israeli Prime Minister: Ehud Barak

Palestinian Authority President: Yasser Arafat

Goals of the Summit

To reach a final status agreement that would:

• End the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
• Create a Palestinian state
• Resolve core issues: Borders, Jerusalem, Refugees, Security, and Settlements

 Key Issues and Proposals

1. Borders and Land

Israel offered:

A Palestinian state in 91–95% of the West Bank and all of Gaza

Land swaps (1–3%) to compensate for parts of the West Bank annexed by Israel (including some settlements)

Palestinian concerns:

• The proposed territory was non-contiguous (scattered enclaves)
• Land swaps were not equal in value
• Control over natural resources and freedom of movement were unclear

2. Jerusalem

Barak offered:

• Palestinian sovereignty over Arab neighborhoods in East Jerusalem
• Joint or split control over parts of the Old City
• Some form of Muslim administration of the Haram al-Sharif (Temple Mount)

Arafat’s position:

• Demanded full Palestinian sovereignty over East Jerusalem, including all of the Old City and the Temple Mount
• Rejected any form of Israeli sovereignty over any part of East Jerusalem

3. Palestinian Refugees (Right of Return)

Barak rejected full "right of return" for millions of Palestinian refugees to Israel (viewed as a demographic threat)

Clinton proposed:

• Limited return to Israel
• Resettlement in a Palestinian state or third countries
• International fund for compensation

Arafat insisted:

• Full right of return based on UN Resolution 194
• Israel's acknowledgment of responsibility for the refugee crisis

4. Security

Israel demanded:

• A demilitarized Palestinian state
• Continued Israeli presence in strategic locations (Jordan Valley)

Palestinian concerns:

• Perceived as an infringement on sovereignty
• Long-term Israeli military presence was unacceptable

🟥 Outcome

No agreement was reached

Talks ended without a final deal

Clinton blamed Arafat, saying he rejected a generous offer

Palestinians argued the proposal failed to meet minimal national rights

🔻 Aftermath

September 2000: Second Intifada (Palestinian uprising) erupts

The failure of Camp David deepened mutual mistrust

Taba negotiations (2001) followed, and both sides came closer to agreement — but Barak lost re-election, and talks stopped

🔎 Was it a "Generous Offer"?

This phrase — often used to describe Barak’s proposal — is debated:

• Pro-Israel view: Barak made historic, far-reaching concessions
• Pro-Palestinian view: The offer maintained Israeli control over key areas and did not guarantee a viable, sovereign state