Word: rabins
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Dates: during 1990-1999
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...Rabin warned that Waxman's death would have "the gravest possible effect" on future Israeli-Palestinian relations: Israeli government officials suggested they might freeze plans to expand Palestinian authority in the West Bank. To highlight the threat, Rabin withdrew his delegation from talks in Cairo aimed at broadening self-rule. This was a marked departure for the Israeli leader, who previously had insisted on keeping negotiations going despite violence between the parties. U.S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher joined in pressuring Arafat, not only in the name of peace but for the sake of an American life. Arafat was motivated...
...Hamas activists. But they were shaking the wrong tree. On Friday morning the Israelis received intelligence that the captive was in a house in Bir-Nabala, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, just three miles north of his parents' home in Ramot, a Jerusalem suburb. Throughout the day, Rabin said later, the Israelis considered a tentative Hamas proposal to exchange Waxman for Sheik Yassin, whom the government has considered freeing anyway because of his failing health. According to Rabin, the offer was never made firm by Hamas, but the militants did agree to extend their deadline by 24 hours...
...press conference later that night, Rabin continued to press his point that Arafat must assume responsibility for controlling Hamas violence. "We know the activities of these murderers were directed from Gaza," Rabin said. "The peace process depends upon how well the Palestinian authority prevents the Gaza Strip from becoming a haven for terrorists...
Nevertheless, though the drama ended fatally for Waxman, the story's other hostage -- the delicate negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians -- may yet survive. In the end, Rabin's test for Arafat did not materialize: Waxman had not been imprisoned within the Gaza Strip. In the aftermath of the saga, progress toward a full peace may be slowed as Israel insists that Arafat crack down generally on Palestinian extremists. The process was shaken, but, despite the tragedy, it was no longer imperiled. At least until the next test comes...
...same day Waxman's kidnapping ended in death, Arafat, Israel's Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres were named recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize. The award was not without controversy. Committee member Kare Kristiansen of Norway resigned, saying Arafat's past "was tainted with violence, terrorism and bloodshed...