Israeli Minister Calls Oslo Accords 'Damned,' Demands Cancellation

A 30-year-old handshake that once symbolized hope in the Middle East is now under attack from within Israel's own government.

An Israeli cabinet minister recently denounced the Oslo Accords as "damned" and publicly called for their cancellation. The inflammatory remarks target the 1993 agreement that has served as the foundation for Israeli-Palestinian relations for three decades, marking a dramatic shift in official Israeli discourse.

Breaking the Diplomatic Taboo

The minister's exact words—"We must cancel this damned Oslo Accord"—represent an unprecedented public rejection of the peace framework by a sitting government official. While the specific minister's identity and full context remain undisclosed, the statement carries significant weight coming from Israel's current cabinet.

The Oslo Accords, signed in 1993, emerged from secret negotiations between Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Chairman Yasser Arafat. Their historic White House handshake, witnessed by President Bill Clinton, promised mutual recognition and a gradual path toward Palestinian self-governance.

Yet 30 years later, the accord's central vision—a two-state solution—remains unrealized. Instead, the region has witnessed expanding West Bank settlements, Gaza blockades, and recurring cycles of violence that have eroded public faith in the peace process.

The Right-Wing Government's New Direction

This public denunciation reflects the hardening stance of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's current coalition, which includes far-right parties that have long opposed the Oslo framework. The government has already accelerated settlement construction, increased pressure on the Palestinian Authority, and asserted sovereignty claims over occupied territories.

The call to cancel Oslo represents the logical endpoint of this trajectory. For Israel's right wing, the accords are seen as legitimizing Palestinian claims while constraining Israeli actions. They argue the agreement has only emboldened terrorism while failing to deliver lasting peace.

Palestinian officials responded with alarm. The Palestinian Authority warned that unilateral Israeli withdrawal from Oslo would necessitate international intervention. The statement threatens to further undermine the PA's already weakened legitimacy among Palestinians, many of whom view it as ineffective.

International Community's Limited Options

The United States and European Union continue to officially support the two-state solution based on Oslo principles. However, their ability to enforce this framework has diminished significantly.

President Joe Biden initially showed interest in reviving Middle East diplomacy but has been consumed by Ukraine, China competition, and domestic priorities. European nations, facing their own security challenges, have limited bandwidth for Middle East mediation.

Arab state reactions reveal the region's shifting dynamics. Countries like the UAE and Bahrain, which normalized relations with Israel through the Abraham Accords, have downplayed Palestinian concerns. Traditional mediators like Jordan and Egypt express worry but lack the influence they once wielded.

The Risks of Abandoning Imperfect Peace

Criticism of Oslo comes from all sides. Israeli hawks call it a "terrorist-enabling agreement," while Palestinian hardliners denounce it as "legitimizing occupation." Both sides have valid grievances about unfulfilled promises and ongoing violations.

However, dismantling Oslo without alternatives could create chaos. Much of the West Bank and Gaza's administrative, security, and economic infrastructure operates within the accord's framework. Palestinian civil servants, international aid programs, and cross-border commerce all depend on Oslo-established mechanisms.

Cancellation would leave 2.8 million West Bank and 2.3 million Gaza residents in legal limbo. Without clear governance structures, the vacuum could be filled by more radical elements, potentially destabilizing the entire region.

The Alternative Scenarios

If Oslo were cancelled, several scenarios could unfold. Israel might assert full control over the West Bank, creating a single-state reality that challenges its democratic and Jewish character. Alternatively, complete withdrawal could leave a failed state on Israel's doorstep.

Palestinian leaders might pivot toward international forums, seeking recognition through the UN and International Criminal Court. This legal warfare approach could isolate Israel diplomatically while offering Palestinians few practical gains.

Regional powers like Iran could exploit the chaos, supporting proxy groups and further militarizing the conflict. The resulting instability could undermine recent normalization agreements and broader Middle East security.