The 1978 Camp David Negotiations Between Israel & Egypt
...peace and security within the Middle East beginning with Egypt and Israel. President’s Carter’s mediation techniques and his skill at breaking through communication blockades, including his preparation in shadow moves, documentation, power and appreciative moves, helped enable the parties to reach a settlement. However the agreement would not have been reached if Israel and Egypt didn’t both have common goals to establish security and improve their countries economic condition.
The goal of establishing a peace agreement that would halt hostile military action between Israel and Egypt was a monumental task as both oppositions were hardened from decades of military attacks and previously failed negotiation attempts. To achieve a favorable negotiation result between Israel and Egypt, flawless planning and preparation would be required and implemented with precision.
Prior to negotiations at Camp David U.S. Ambassadors worked to restore U.S. credibility as an honest broker in the Arab-Israeli dispute, (Johns, 2007). Ambassadors worked with Sadat and his ministers and urged them to build on the Henry Kissinger Brokered Sinai I and II disengagement in order to move towards peace. Kept Sadat and his ministers informed of U.S. thinking as well as kept Washington informed of Egyptian views on Israeli intentions, and offer advice on how to negotiate with the Egyptians, (Johns, 2007).
United States ambassadors to the Middle East participated in discussions prior to Camp David with President Carter and other participants and discussed what could be expected from the principles, (Johns, 2007). Ambassadors Lewis, Eilts, and others drafted agreements in preparation for President Carter’s meetings with both Begin and Sadat. They provided President Carter with valuable information on how the proposed language would likely be received by the Egyptians and Israelis,...
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