The Israeli Political Chain

This flow traces how Israeli leaders, rivals, advisers, and negotiators pass the channel through a precarious hierarchy of political authority.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Beilin's Opening

Beilin's Opening Frustration with official talks Yossi Beilin describes the American-sponsored process as a farce, with delegates speaking differently in the room and to the cameras. He recognizes that existing procedure is failing to reach the PLO directly. An unofficial experiment He works with Terje Rød-Larsen to create a separate channel staffed initially by academics. The choice offers deniability, while keeping the political authority behind the initiative uncertain.

Peres Kept In The Dark

Peres Kept In The Dark A cautious deputy Yossi Beilin keeps Shimon Peres uninformed while he waits to see whether the channel can produce concrete results. Terje Rød-Larsen had misunderstood the degree of senior approval. Rivalry shapes procedure Beilin fears that revealing the initiative too early could provoke Yitzhak Rabin, who has a long political rivalry with Peres. The channel’s progress depends partly on navigating relationships within Israel’s own leadership.

Savir Takes Command

Savir Takes Command A changed delegation Uri Savir arrives as the senior Israeli representative and quickly displaces the professors from the negotiating lead. His blunt manner signals that the encounter has entered a new phase. Authority meets responsibility Savir says he represents Shimon Peres and takes responsibility for negotiating an actual peace. The delegation now has more authority, but its choices carry greater political consequences.

Singer's Legal Mandate

Singer's Legal Mandate A lawyer enters Joel Singer arrives carrying questions from Yitzhak Rabin and demands precise answers from the Palestinian representatives. His legal scrutiny turns the informal draft into an issue of state policy. The channel becomes official After examining the answers, Joel Singer proposes that the secret channel become the official channel. The chain of authority extends from negotiators to national leadership, raising the possibility of agreement and the cost of failure.

Peres's Final Gamble

Peres's Final Gamble A decision to proceed Shimon Peres hears that Yasser Arafat knows the details and agrees to bring the talks back. He offers the possibility that the PLO leadership may return to Gaza if an agreement is made. Instructions for secrecy Shimon Peres orders the participants to tell the Americans nothing and to proceed quickly. His boldness gives the channel political momentum while increasing the danger of acting without broader support.

During the Israeli election campaign of 1992

After the first Borregaard meeting

At Uri Savir's first official Oslo session

During the overnight drafting session

Before the last round in Oslo