Israel: August 10, 2000

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The last Arab-Israeli summit failed over the traditional issue: Jerusalem. Key negotiators had nearly reached a landmark deal under which both would do things they had never agreed to before. The Israelis would agree to give up parts of East Jerusalem (and give the Palestinians administrative control over parts of the Old City), while the Palestinians had agreed to allow nearby Jewish communities to be added to the city. Arafat, however, rejected giving up any of East Jerusalem, fearing that other Arab leaders would disapprove (or that radicals would kill him). For his part, Israeli PM Barak had refused to give up sovereignty over Temple Mount, which is the holiest spot to Jews and the third holiest to Moslems.--Stephen V Cole