Background

The Oslo II agreement between Israel and the Palestinians is an important additional step in the reconciliation between the two peoples and between Israel and the Arab world. This agreement is part of a peace process, whose purpose is to bring an overall peace to the Middle East, that began in Camp David in 1978 and continued in Madrid, in October 1991. A breakthrough in relations between Israel and the Palestinians was achieved with the Declaration of Principles (The Oslo Agreement) that was signed an 13 September 1993. The Declaration outlined three stages of implementation.

Stage One: Gaza-Jericho First Agreement (signed May 1994)

Stage Two: Intermediary Agreement (Oslo II signed 24 September 1995)
The Principle objective of which is to widen the areas of self rule for the Palestinians in the West Bank after election for the Palestinian Authority.

The election process will allow the Palestinians to rule themselves, to reduce the points of friction between Palestinians and Israelis and to begin a new era of cooperation and peaceful mutual existence on the basis of joint interest and mutual respect.

Moreover, Israel's security interests will be guarded, including not only security along its borders but also the personal security of all Israeli citizens that live in the West Bank.

Stage Three: The Final Status
These Final Status will be implemented no later than 1999. Negotiations regarding the Final Status Talks will begin during the intermediary Agreement and no later than May 1996. The negotiations regarding the Final Status will including the following subjects: Jerusalem, Refugees, Settlements, Security Arrangements, Borders, Relations and cooperation with neighboring countries.

Elections
The elections for the Palestinian Authorities will be free and democratic. The right to vote will be given to all Palestinians 18 years and over, and appear on the population list. The elections will take place 22 days after the re deployment of the IDF from the densely populated areas of the West Bank.

The election for the Palestinian Authority will be direct and according to area. The election of the Chairperson of the Palestinian Authority will be by direct election. Parties or individuals that express racist stands or support activities that are illegal or undemocratic cannot stand for election.

The Palestinians that live in Jerusalem will be able to participate in the elections according to special arrangements outlined in the agreement. An East Jerusalem resident can only stand for election if he has an additional address in the West Bank or Gaza.

The Council
The elected council that will be formed after the elections will receive authority and responsibility on matters of security in the West Bank and Gaza. With the creation of the council, the civil and military administration will be canceled.
The Council will receive responsibility, with all the rights, obligations and guarantees in all matters handed over to it.

The Council will consist of 82 members and will have the right to legislate and to carry out that legislation.

Security
In the first stage, intended to allow elections to take place, the IDF will withdraw from populated areas in the West Bank. From the six cities: Jenin, Nablus, Tulkarum, Kalkilya, Ramallah and Bethlehem, (in Hebron there will be special security arrangements), and from 450 towns and villages. Israel keeps in its hands responsibility for external security, Israeli citizens and the settlements.

The agreement defines three types of security arrangements in the three areas.
Area A: (Cities, excluding Hebron) The Palestinian Authority will have full responsibility for internal security and public order.
Area B: Including villages, Arab towns where the population is 68% Palestinian, the Palestinian Council will receive full responsibility for the management of civilian matters and for matters of public order. Israel will, however, maintain responsibility for general security, and will be allowed to maintain the security of her citizens and fight against terror, this interest will take priority over the councils rights regarding public order.
25 police stations of the Palestinian Police will be created in this area.
Area C: Areas including settlements (security areas). Areas where there is not a Palestinian majority. Israel will gain responsibility of general security matters, matters of public order and matters of internal security.

Re deployment
After the creation of the Palestinian Council, an additional, stage of re deployment will take place with 6 months from Area C.

The PLO Charter
The agreement obligates the PLO to change those sections of its Charter calling for the destruction of Israel within two months of the creation of the Palestinian Council.

Palestinian Police
Police will be appointed. This will be the only Palestinian Security Force.
� Israel and the Palestinian Council are obligated to fight against terror and prevent terrorist activities. The Palestinian council will provide gun licenses for its citizens. The Palestinian Council will confiscate illegal weapons, will arrest those suspected in the involvement of violence and terror and will take legal action against them.
� Both sides will act to ensure effective immediate and decisive action when any incident involving violence occurs.
� A joint security committee will be created to coordinate between the Army and the Palestinian Police. Both sides will cooperate and exchange intelligence information.
� Joint patrols will guarantee free movement and security on the roads in Area A.
� Joint and appointed units will respond to emergency situations.

Hebron
In the light of the presence of Israelis in the heart of Hebron and in consideration of the special sensitivity, the religious history of the city - there will be special security arrangements for Hebron. The arrangements will allow the Palestinian Police to carry out its responsibilities in regard to the Palestinians in specific areas of the city. Israel will defend its citizens living in Hebron and supervise holy sites in the city. At the Tomb of the Patriarch status quo will be retained. There will be a Temporary international force in Hebron.

Movement by Israelis
IDF and Israelis will continue to have free movement in the West Bank and Gaza. In Area A the movement of Israeli vehicles will be escorted by joint patrols. In all situations the Palestinian Police cannot arrest Israelis. The Palestinian Police can only request the presentation of an identity card and driver's license. In Area A, only Israelis can request identity cards from Israelis.

Holy Sites
Responsibility for Holy Sites will be passed to the Palestinians. Special arrangements will be made for Rachel's Tomb. In Area C the responsibility will be handed over in stages during the next stage of re deployment. Both sides will: respect the religious sites of Jews, Christians and Muslims; will protect the Holy Sites;and will allow free entrance to Holy Sites and freedom to religious worship.

Water
The Agreement obligates Israel to increase Palestinian water supply.

Release of Prisoners
Israel will release prisoners in 3 stages:
� with the signing of the Agreement
� on the day of elections for the Palestinian Council
� with the fulfilling of each part of the Agreement.