Case 212 - The Israel-P.L.O. Declaration of Principles

Sullivan, Denis J.

This case study introduces students to the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian problem by revisiting the secret discussions between Israel and the Palestinian Liberation Organization. Those talks produced a major breakthrough in the standoff between the two sides: the Declaration of Principles, in which the government of Israel agreed to officially recognize the P.L.O. as the sole representative of the Palestinian people. Students are given both a comprehensive overview of the key players and a step-by-step account of the negotiations. This case is ideal for classroom discussion or a negotiation simulation, in which the students can act out the negotiations through role playing.