On a seemingly ordinary day, April 11, 1987, a moment of profound, albeit clandestine, diplomatic activity unfolded in the heart of London. It was at the private residence of Lord Mishcon, a prominent British solicitor and a figure of trust, that a secret understanding, later known as the London Agreement, was forged between key Middle Eastern leaders. This discreet gathering brought together His Majesty King Hussein I of Jordan and then-Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Shimon Peres, aimed at charting a new course for peace in the region.

The meeting itself was a testament to the complex and often covert nature of Middle East diplomacy during that era. It wasn't just King Hussein and Peres who were present; the critical discussions also involved Zaid al-Rifai, who served as Jordan's Prime Minister, and Yossi Beilin, the Director General of the Israeli Foreign Affairs Ministry. Their presence underscored the high-level commitment to exploring potential pathways to a resolution of the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, despite the prevailing political sensitivities.

The core objective of the London Agreement was to establish a framework for an international peace conference. This proposed conference would ideally involve all parties to the Arab-Israeli conflict, under the auspices of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, seeking a comprehensive resolution that addressed the Palestinian issue. For Shimon Peres, then a member of a national unity government in Israel, this initiative represented a significant diplomatic push to advance peace efforts, even if it lacked the explicit, unified backing of his entire government, particularly from Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir.

The choice of London and Lord Mishcon’s residence as the venue was strategic. It provided a neutral and secure environment away from the intense scrutiny and political pressures of the Middle East, allowing for frank and sensitive discussions. Despite the sincere efforts and the significant agreement reached by the participants, the London Agreement ultimately did not come to fruition. Upon Peres’s return, the understanding faced staunch opposition from Prime Minister Shamir, who refused to endorse the concept of an international conference as envisioned by the agreement, thus preventing its official implementation.

Frequently Asked Questions about the London Agreement (1987)

What was the London Agreement?

The London Agreement was a secret understanding reached on April 11, 1987, between King Hussein of Jordan and Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Shimon Peres. Its primary aim was to establish a framework for an international peace conference to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and achieve a comprehensive peace in the Middle East.

Who were the principal figures involved?

The main signatories were King Hussein I of Jordan and Shimon Peres, Israel's Foreign Affairs Minister at the time. Other crucial attendees included Jordanian Prime Minister Zaid al-Rifai and Yossi Beilin, Director General of the Israeli Foreign Affairs Ministry. The meeting was hosted by Lord Mishcon in London.

When and where did this secret meeting take place?

The confidential meeting occurred on April 11, 1987, at the private residence of Lord Mishcon in London, providing a discreet and neutral venue for the high-stakes diplomatic discussions.

Why was the meeting kept secret?

The meeting was held in utmost secrecy due to the highly sensitive political climate surrounding Israeli-Arab relations at the time. Direct talks between high-ranking Israeli and Jordanian officials, especially concerning an international peace conference, could generate significant political opposition and controversy both domestically within Israel and among various Arab factions. Furthermore, Shimon Peres did not have the full, official mandate of his unity government's Prime Minister, Yitzhak Shamir, to pursue such an agreement, necessitating discretion.

What was the outcome or impact of the London Agreement?

Despite the agreement being reached by the involved parties, it ultimately failed to be implemented. Upon Shimon Peres’s return to Israel, the initiative was rejected by Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir, who opposed the idea of an international peace conference as outlined in the agreement. Consequently, the London Agreement never materialized into official policy or action, though it remains a significant historical footnote demonstrating efforts for peace during that period.