The Camp David Accords
The Framework for Peace in the Middle East
Muhammad Anwar al-Sadat, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, and Menachem Begin, Prime Minister of Israel, met with Jimmy Carter, President of the United States of America, at Camp David from
September 5 to September 17, 1978, and have agreed on the following framework for peace in the Middle East. They invite other parties to the Arab-Israel conflict to adhere to it.
Preamble
The search for peace in the Middle East must be guided by the following:
ß The agreed basis for a peaceful settlement of the conflict between Israel and its neighbors is United Nations Security Council Resolution 242, in all its parts.
ß After four wars during 30 years, despite intensive human efforts, the Middle East, which is the cradle of civilization and the birthplace of three great religions, does not enjoy the blessings of peace. The people of the Middle East yearn for peace so that the vast human and natural resources of the region can be
turned to the pursuits of peace and so that this area can become a model for coexistence and cooperation among nations.
ß The historic initiative of President Sadat in visiting Jerusalem and the reception accorded to him by the parliament, government and people of Israel, and the reciprocal visit of Prime Minister Begin to Ismailia, the peace proposals made by both leaders, as well as the warm reception of these missions by the peoples of both countries, have created an unprecedented opportunity for peace which must not be lost if this generation and future generations are to be spared the tragedies of war.
ß The provisions of the Charter of the United Nations and the other accepted norms of international law and legitimacy now provide accepted standards for the conduct of relations among all states.
ß To achieve a relationship of peace, in the spirit of Article 2 of the United Nations Charter, future negotiations between Israel and any neighbor prepared to negotiate peace and security with it
are necessary for the purpose of carrying out all the provisions and principles of Resolutions 242 and 338.
ß Peace requires respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of every state in the area and their right to live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries free from threats or acts of force. Progress toward that goal can accelerate movement toward a new era of reconciliation in the Middle East marked by cooperation in promoting economic development, in maintaining stability and in assuring security.
ß Security is enhanced by a relationship of peace and by cooperation between nations which enjoy normal relations. In addition, under the terms of peace treaties, the parties can, on the basis of reciprocity, agree to special security arrangements such as demilitarized zones, limited armaments areas, early
warning stations, the presence of international forces, liaison, agreed measures for monitoring and other arrangements that they agree are useful.
Framework
Taking these factors into account, the parties are determined to reach a just, comprehensive, and durable settlement of the Middle East conflict through the conclusion of peace treaties based on Security Council resolutions 242 and 338 in all their parts. Their purpose is to achieve peace and good neighborly relations. They recognize that for peace to endure, it must involve all those who have been most deeply
affected by the conflict. They therefore agree that this framework, as appropriate, is intended by them to constitute a basis for peace not only between Egypt and Israel, but also between Israel and each of its
other neighbors which is prepared to negotiate peace with Israel on this basis. With that objective in mind, they have agreed to proceed as follows:
ß West Bank and Gaza
Egypt, Israel, Jordan and the representatives of the Palestinian people should participate in negotiations on the resolution of the Palestinian problem in all its aspects. To achieve that objective, negotiations relating to the West Bank and Gaza should proceed in three stages:
1. Egypt and Israel agree that, in order to ensure a peaceful
and orderly transfer of authority, and taking into account
the security concerns of all the parties, there should be
transitional arrangements for the West Bank and Gaza for
a period not exceeding five years. In order to provide full
autonomy to the inhabitants, under these arrangements
the Israeli military government and its civilian
administration will be withdrawn as soon as a self-
governing authority has been freely elected by the
inhabitants of these areas to replace the existing military
government. To negotiate the details of a transitional
arrangement, Jordan will be invited to join the negotiations
on the basis of this framework. These new arrangements
should give due consideration both to the principle of selfgovernment by the inhabitants of these territories and to the legitimate security concerns of the parties involved.
2. Egypt, Israel, and Jordan will agree on the modalities for
establishing elected self-governing authority in the West
Bank and Gaza. The delegations of Egypt and Jordan may
include Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza or other
Palestinians as mutually agreed. The parties will negotiate
an agreement which will define the powers and
responsibilities of the self-governing authority to be
exercised in the West Bank and Gaza. A withdrawal of
Israeli armed forces will take place and there will be a
redeployment of the remaining Israeli forces into specified
security locations. The agreement will also include
arrangements for assuring internal and external security
and public order. A strong local police force will be
established, which may include Jordanian citizens. In
addition, Israeli and Jordanian forces will participate in
joint patrols and in the manning of control posts to assure
the security of the borders.
3. When the self-governing authority (administrative council)
in the West Bank and Gaza is established and inaugurated,
the transitional period of five years will begin. As soon as
possible, but not later than the third year after the
beginning of the transitional period, negotiations will take
place to determine the final status of the West Bank and
Gaza and its relationship with its neighbors and to
conclude a peace treaty between Israel and Jordan by the
end of the transitional period. These negotiations will be
conducted among Egypt, Israel, Jordan and the elected
representatives of the inhabitants of the West Bank and
Gaza. Two separate but related committees will be
convened, one committee, consisting of representatives of
the four parties which will negotiate and agree on the final
status of the West Bank and Gaza, and its relationship with
its neighbors, and the second committee, consisting of
representatives of Israel and representatives of Jordan to
be joined by the elected representatives of the inhabitants
of the West Bank and Gaza, to negotiate the peace treaty
between Israel and Jordan, taking into account the
agreement reached in the final status of the West Bank
and Gaza. The negotiations shall be based on all the
provisions and principles of UN Security Council Resolution
242. The negotiations will resolve, among other matters,
the location of the boundaries and the nature of the
security arrangements. The solution from the negotiations
must also recognize the legitimate right of the Palestinian
peoples and their just requirements. In this way, the
Palestinians will participate in the determination of their own future through:
i. The negotiations among Egypt, Israel, Jordan and the representatives of the inhabitants of the West
Bank and Gaza to agree on the final status of the West Bank and Gaza and other outstanding issues by
the end of the transitional period.
ii. Submitting their agreements to a vote by the elected representatives of the inhabitants of the West Bank and Gaza.
iii. Providing for the elected representatives of the inhabitants of the West Bank and Gaza to decide how
they shall govern themselves consistent with the provisions of their agreement.
iv. Participating as stated above in the work of the committee negotiating the peace treaty between
Israel and Jordan.
v. All necessary measures will be taken and provisions made to assure the security of Israel and its
neighbors during the transitional period and beyond.
To assist in providing such security, a strong local police force will be constituted by the self-governing
authority. It will be composed of inhabitants of the West Bank and Gaza. The police will maintain liaison
on internal security matters with the designated Israeli, Jordanian, and Egyptian officers.
vi. During the transitional period, representatives of Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and the self-governing
authority will constitute a continuing committee to decide by agreement on the modalities of admission
of persons displaced from the West Bank and Gaza in 1967, together with necessary measures to prevent
disruption and disorder. Other matters of common concern may also be dealt with by this committee.
vii. Egypt and Israel will work with each other and with other interested parties to establish agreed
procedures for a prompt, just and permanent implementation of the resolution of the refugee problem.
ß Egypt-Israel
1. Egypt-Israel undertake not to resort to the threat or the
use of force to settle disputes. Any disputes shall be
settled by peaceful means in accordance with the
provisions of Article 33 of the U.N. Charter.
2. In order to achieve peace between them, the parties agree
to negotiate in good faith with a goal of concluding within
three months from the signing of the Framework a peace
treaty between them while inviting the other parties to the
conflict to proceed simultaneously to negotiate and
conclude similar peace treaties with a view the achieving a
comprehensive peace in the area. The Framework for the
Conclusion of a Peace Treaty between Egypt and Israel will
govern the peace negotiations between them. The parties
will agree on the modalities and the timetable for the
implementation of their obligations under the treaty.
ß Associated Principles
1. Egypt and Israel state that the principles and provisions
described below should apply to peace treaties between
Israel and each of its neighbors – Egypt, Jordan, Syria and
Lebanon.
2. Signatories shall establish among themselves relationships normal to states at peace with one another. To this end, they should undertake to abide by all the provisions of the U.N. Charter. Steps to be taken in this respect include:
a. full recognition;
b. abolishing economic boycotts;
c. guaranteeing that under their jurisdiction the citizens
of the other parties shall enjoy the protection of the due process of law.
3. Signatories should explore possibilities for economic
development in the context of final peace treaties, with the
objective of contributing to the atmosphere of peace,
cooperation and friendship which is their common goal.
4. Claims commissions may be established for the mutual
settlement of all financial claims.
5. The United States shall be invited to participated in the
talks on matters related to the modalities of the
implementation of the agreements and working out the
timetable for the carrying out of the obligations of the
parties.
6. The United Nations Security Council shall be requested to
endorse the peace treaties and ensure that their provisions
shall not be violated. The permanent members of the
Security Council shall be requested to underwrite the
peace treaties and ensure respect or the provisions. They
shall be requested to conform their policies an actions with
the undertaking contained in this Framework.
For the Government of the
Arab Republic of Egypt:
Muhammed Anwar al-Sadat
For the Government
of Israel:
Menachem Begin
Witnessed by:
Jimmy Carter,
President of the United States of America
Framework for the Conclusion of a Peace Treaty between Egypt and Israel
In order to achieve peace between them, Israel and Egypt agree to
negotiate in good faith with a goal of concluding within three months
of the signing of this framework a peace treaty between them:
It is agreed that:
ß The site of the negotiations will be under a United Nations flag at
a location or locations to be mutually agreed.
ß All of the principles of U.N. Resolution 242 will apply in this
resolution of the dispute between Israel and Egypt.
ß Unless otherwise mutually agreed, terms of the peace treaty will
be implemented between two and three years after the peace
treaty is signed.
ß The following matters are agreed between the parties:
1. the full exercise of Egyptian sovereignty up to the
internationally recognized border between Egypt and
mandated Palestine;
2. the withdrawal of Israeli armed forces from the Sinai;
3. the use of airfields left by the Israelis near al-Arish, Rafah,
Ras en-Naqb, and Sharm el-Sheikh for civilian purposes
only, including possible commercial use only by all nations;
4. the right of free passage by ships of Israel through the
Gulf of Suez and the Suez Canal on the basis of the
Constantinople Convention of 1888 applying to all nations;
the Strait of Tiran and Gulf of Aqaba are international
waterways to be open to all nations for unimpeded and
nonsuspendable freedom of navigation and overflight;
5. the construction of a highway between the Sinai and
Jordan near Eilat with guaranteed free and peaceful
passage by Egypt and Jordan; and
6. the stationing of military forces listed below.
Stationing of Forces
ß No more than one division (mechanized or infantry) of Egyptian
armed forces will be stationed within an area lying approximately
50 km. (30 miles) east of the Gulf of Suez and the Suez Canal.
ß Only United Nations forces and civil police equipped with light
weapons to perform normal police functions will be stationed
within an area lying west of the international border and the Gulf
of Aqaba, varying in width from 20 km. (12 miles) to 40 km. (24
miles).
ß In the area within 3 km. (1.8 miles) east of the international
border there will be Israeli limited military forces not to exceed
four infantry battalions and United Nations observers.
ß Border patrol units not to exceed three battalions will
supplement the civil police in maintaining order in the area not
included above.
ß The exact demarcation of the above areas will be as decided
during the peace negotiations.
ß Early warning stations may exist to insure compliance with the
terms of the agreement.
ß United Nations forces will be stationed:
1. in part of the area in the Sinai lying within about 20 km. of
the Mediterranean Sea and adjacent to the international
border, and
2. in the Sharm el-Sheikh area to insure freedom of passage
through the Strait of Tiran; and these forces will not be
removed unless such removal is approved by the Security
Council of the United Nations with a unanimous vote of the
five permanent members.
ß After a peace treaty is signed, and after the interim withdrawal is
complete, normal relations will be established between Egypt
and Israel, including full recognition, including diplomatic,
economic and cultural relations; termination of economic
boycotts and barriers to the free movement of goods and
people; and mutual protection of citizens by the due process of law.
Interim Withdrawal
Between three months and nine months after the signing of the peace
treaty, all Israeli forces will withdraw east of a line extending from a
point east of El -Arish to Ras Muhammad, the exact location of this line
to be determined by mutual agreement.
For the Government of the
Arab Republic of Egypt:
Muhammed Anwar al-Sadat
For the Government of Israel:
Menachem Begin
Witnessed by: Jimmy Carter,
President of the United States of America
Annex to the Framework Agreements
Exchanges of Letters
All letters from Mr. Carter are dated September 22, 1978, all the other
letters are dated September 17, 1978.
Prime Minister Begin to President Carter
The President
Camp David
Thurmont, Maryland
September 17, 1978
Dear Mr. President:
I have the honor to inform you that during two weeks after my return
home I will submit a motion before Israel’s Parliament (the Knesset) to
decide on the following question:
If during the negotiations to conclude a peace treaty between Israel
and Egypt all outstanding issues are agreed upon, “are you in favor of
the removal of the Israeli settlers from the northern and southern
Sinai areas or are you in favor of keeping the aforementioned settlers
in those areas?”
The vote, Mr. President, on this issue will be completely free from the
usual Parliamentary Party discipline to the effect that although the
coalition is being now supported by 70 members out of 120, every
member of the Knesset, as I believe, both of the Government and the
Opposition benches will be enabled to vote in accordance with his own conscience.
Sincerely yours,
Menachem Begin
President Carter to President Sadat
His Excellency
Anwar Al-Sadat
President of the Arab Republic of Egypt
Cairo
September 22, 1978
Dear Mr. President:
I transmit herewith a copy of a letter to me from Prime Minister Begin
setting forth how he proposes to present the issue of the Sinai
settlements to the Knesset for the latter’s decision.
In this connection, I understand from your letter that Knesset approval
to withdraw all Israeli settlers from Sinai according to a timetable
within the period specified for the implementation of the peace treaty
is a prerequisite to any negotiations on a peace treaty between Egypt
and Israel.
Sincerely,
Jimmy Carter
Enclosure: Letter from Prime Minister Begin
President Sadat to President Carter
His Excellency
Jimmy Carter
President of the United States
September 17, 1978
Dear Mr. President:
In connection with the “Framework for a Settlement in Sinai” to be signed tonight, I would like to reaffirm the position of the Arab Republic of Egypt with respect to the settlements:
1. All Israeli settlers must be withdrawn from Sinai according to a
timetable within the period specified for the implementation of
the peace treaty.
2. Agreement by the Israeli Government and its constitutional
institutions to this basic principle is therefore a prerequisite to
starting peace negotiations for concluding a peace treaty.
3. If Israel fails to meet this commitment, the “framework” shall be
void and invalid.
Sincerely,
Mohamed Anwar El Sadat
President Carter to Prime Minister Begin
His Excellency
Menachem Begin
Prime Minister of Israel
Dear Mr. Prime Minister:
I have received your letter of September 17, 1978, describing how you
intend to place the question of the future of Israeli settlements in Sinai
before the Knesset for its decision.
Enclosed is a copy of President Sadat’s letter to me on this subject.
Sincerely,
Jimmy Carter
Enclosure: Letter from President Sadat
President Sadat to President Carter
His Excellency
Jimmy Carter
President of the United States
September 17, 1978
Dear Mr. President:
I am writing you to reaffirm the position of the Arab Republic of Egypt with respect to Jerusalem.
1. Arab Jerusalem is an integral part of the West Bank. Legal and historical Arab rights in the city must be respected and restored.
2. Arab Jerusalem should be under Arab sovereignty.
3. The Palestinian inhabitants of Arab Jerusalem are entitled to exercise their legitimate national rights, being part of the Palestinian People in the West Bank.
4. Relevant Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolutions 242 and 267, must be applied with regard to Jerusalem. All the measures taken by Israel to alter the status of the City are null and void and should be rescinded.
5. All peoples must have free access to the City and enjoy the free exercises of worship and the right to visit and transit to the holy places without distinction or discrimination.
6. The holy places of each faith may be placed under the administration and control of their representatives.
7. Essential functions in the City should be undivided and a joint municipal council composed of an equal number of Arab and Israeli members can supervise the carrying out of these functions. In this way, the city shall be undivided.
Sincerely,
Mohamed Anwar El Sadat
Prime Minister Begin to President Carter
The President
Camp David
Thurmont, Maryland
17 September 1978
Dear Mr. President:
I have the honor to inform you, Mr. President, that on 28 June 1967 –
Israel’s parliament (The Knesset) promulgated and adopted a law to
the effect: “the Government is empowered by a decree to apply the
law, the jurisdiction and administration of the State to any part of
Eretz Israel (Land of Israel – Palestine), as stated in that decree.”
On the basis of this law, the government of Israel decreed in July 1967
that Jerusalem is one city indivisible, the capital of the State of Israel.
Sincerely,
Menachem Begin
President Carter to President Sadat
His Excellency
Anwar al-Sadat
President of the Arab Republic of Egypt
Cairo
Dear Mr. President:
I have received your letter of September 17, 1978, setting forth the
Egyptian position on Jerusalem. I am transmitting a copy of that letter
to Prime Minister Begin for his information.
The position of the United States on Jerusalem remains as stated by
Ambassador Goldberg in the United Nations General Assembly on July
14, 1967, and subsequently by Ambassador Yost in the United Nations
Security Council on July 1, 1969.
Sincerely,
Jimmy Carter
President Sadat to President Carter
His Excellency
Jimmy Carter
President of the United States
The White House
Washington, D.C.
September 17, 1978
Dear Mr. President:
In connection with the “Framework for Peace in the Middle East,” I am
writing you this letter to inform you of the position of the Arab
Republic of Egypt, with respect to the implementation of the
comprehensive settlement.
To ensure the implementation of the provisions related to the West
Bank and Gaza and in order to safeguard the legitimate rights of the
Palestinian people, Egypt will be prepared to assume the Arab role
emanating from these provisions, following consultations with Jordan
and the representatives of the Palestinian people.
Sincerely,
Mohamed Anwar El Sadat
President Carter to Prime Minister Begin
His Excellency
Menachem Begin
Prime Minister of Israel
Dear Mr. Prime Minister:
I hereby acknowledge that you have informed me as follows:
1. In each paragraph of the Agreed Framework Document the expressions “Palestinians” or “Palestinian People” are being and will be construed and understood by you as “Palestinian Arabs.”
2. In each paragraph in which the expression “West Bank” appears it is being, and will be, understood by the Government of Israel as Judea and Samaria.
Sincerely,
Jimmy Carter
