Camp David Accords Facts & Worksheets

Framework for Peace in the Middle East

• This agreement tried to create a plan for peace in the region and focused mainly on the Palestinian territories. It stated that any peaceful solution should follow United Nations Security Council Resolution 242, that called for Israel to withdraw from land captured in 1967 and for Arab countries to recognise Israel and make peace. The framework had three main parts:
  • Palestinian self-government in the West Bank and Gaza: The first and most important part focused on the West Bank and Gaza Strip and the rights of the Palestinian people. The agreement recognised the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and suggested that Palestinians should have self-government or autonomy. This meant that the people living in the West Bank and Gaza would elect their own authority to manage local affairs.
  • Egypt–Israel relations: The second part addressed relations between Egypt and Israel and helped prepare the way for a peace treaty between the two countries.
  • Principles for relations between Israel and Arab states: The third part outlined general principles that should guide relations between Israel and its Arab neighbours in the future.
• The plan suggested a transitional period of up to five years. During this time, Israel would remove its military government from the West Bank and Gaza after a self-governing authority had been elected. Some Israeli troops would withdraw, while others would move to certain security areas.
• The agreement also proposed creating a local police force to keep order in the territories. Israel and Jordan might also help protect the borders through joint patrols and control posts. Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and representatives of the Palestinian people were expected to take part in negotiations about how this self-government would work.
• During the five-year period, further talks would decide the final future of the West Bank and Gaza. These discussions would deal with issues such as borders, security, and future peace agreements between Israel and its neighbours.

Framework for a Peace Treaty between Egypt and Israel

• This agreement focused on ending the conflict between Egypt and Israel and preparing a formal peace treaty between the two countries.
• The framework explained the main steps both sides would take to achieve peace. These steps later led to the signing of the Egypt–Israel Peace Treaty in March 1979, which officially ended the state of war between Egypt and Israel.Key Terms of the Egypt–Israel Peace Framework:
  • Israel withdrawing from the Sinai Peninsula: Israel agreed to remove its military forces from the Sinai Peninsula. This withdrawal would happen gradually and was planned to be completed within about three years.
  • Removal of Israeli settlements and bases: Israel also agreed to remove its settlements and military bases from Sinai. About 4,500 Israeli settlers living there would leave the area, and several Israeli air bases built after the 1967 war would be closed.
  • Return of land and oil fields to Egypt: As Israel withdrew, the Sinai Peninsula would be returned to Egypt. Israel also returned the Abu-Rudeis oil fields, which were important because they produced oil.
  • Peace and normal relations: In return, Egypt agreed to recognise Israel and establish normal relations between the two countries. This included opening embassies and allowing trade and cooperation.
  • Freedom of passage through waterways: Egypt agreed to allow Israeli ships to pass through important waterways such as the Suez Canal and the Straits of Tiran.
  • Security limits in Sinai: The agreement also limited the number of Egyptian troops that could be stationed in certain parts of the Sinai Peninsula, particularly areas close to Israel’s border. Israel also agreed to keep its own forces a short distance from the border.

Outcomes and Significance

• The Camp David Accords had an important impact on the Middle East. The agreements led directly to the signing of the Egypt–Israel Peace Treaty in March 1979. This treaty officially ended the state of war between Egypt and Israel.
• One major result was that Egypt became the first Arab country to recognise Israel as a state. In exchange, Israel agreed to withdraw from the Sinai Peninsula and return the territory to Egypt. This helped reduce the chance of another large war between the two countries.
• The accords also led to normal diplomatic relations between Egypt and Israel. In 1980 the two countries exchanged ambassadors and began building official relations. Egypt also ended its economic boycott of Israel, and some trade started between the two countries. Regular airline flights were also introduced, and Egypt began supplying Israel with crude oil.
• The agreements also changed the political situation in the Middle East. Egypt had been one of the most powerful and influential countries in the Arab world, especially during the leadership of Gamal Abdel Nasser. By making peace with Israel, Egypt changed the balance of power in the region and weakened the united Arab opposition to Israel.
• The accords were also seen as a major diplomatic achievement for the leaders involved. Carter played a key role in bringing the two sides together, while Sadat and Begin took important steps toward peace. The agreement showed that negotiations and diplomacy could help reduce conflict in the region.

Criticism and Consequences

• Although the Camp David Accords brought peace between Egypt and Israel, the agreements were strongly criticised by many groups and countries. Many people believed the accords did not properly solve the Palestinian issue.
• One main criticism was about the plan for Palestinian autonomy in the West Bank and Gaza. Some historians argued that the idea of autonomy was unclear and did not give Palestinians real independence. Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin also made it clear that the plan did not include the creation of a Palestinian state.
• The agreements were also criticised by the United Nations. The UN General Assembly rejected the framework because the negotiations did not include the Palestine Liberation Organization. The UN stated that the agreement did not fully support Palestinian rights, including the right of return, self-determination, and national independence.
• There was also opposition inside Israel. Some Israeli settlers disagreed with the agreement because it required Israel to withdraw from the Sinai Peninsula and remove settlements there. Some settlers tried to stop the government from removing these settlements, but the withdrawal still took place. However, most Israelis supported the peace agreement.
• The accords also caused political problems for Egypt. Many Arab countries believed Egypt had made peace with Israel without solving the Palestinian problem. Because of this, Egypt was suspended from the Arab League from 1979 to 1989, and relations with several Arab countries became worse.
• There was also strong opposition within Egypt. Some political and religious groups criticised Egyptian President Anwar Sadat for signing the agreement. On 6 October 1981, Sadat was assassinated during a military parade in Cairo by members of an extremist group who opposed his policies, including the peace agreement with Israel. 
• Despite these criticisms and consequences, the Camp David Accords remain important because they ended many years of war between Egypt and Israel and showed that negotiations could bring peace.