Negotiating Implementation of a Peace Agreement: Lessons Learned from Five Years at the Negotiating Table

Abstract

For five years (1994-1999), I directly negotiated ‘on the ground’ implementation of the Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process in the Gaza Strip. In my capacity as the Israel Defense Forces Judge Advocate General’s Corps Legal Advisor to the IDF Commander, Gaza Strip (1994-1997) I had direct responsibility for both interpretation and negotiation, first for the Gaza-Jericho Agreement and subsequently for the Interim Agreement as it applied to the Gaza Strip. The article which addressees fundamental differences between agreement ‘architects’ and agreement ‘implementers’ is intended to facilitate future negotiations and implementations alike. Based on a ‘bird’s eye’ view I suggest ten core ‘lessons learned’ relevant to negotiating including cultural, linguistic, tactical, strategic and operational considerations.

Keywords: Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process, Gaza Strip, Gaza-Jericho Agreement, Interim Agreement, negotiating agreement implementation, drafting agreements, negotiating peace process