The document outlines a project plan to help Israeli negotiators in discussions regarding Jerusalem. It will include background materials on Jerusalem, possible scenarios for resolving issues in the city, and lessons from previous negotiations. Researchers will also assess a "special regime" model for jointly governing the Old City area between Israel and Palestine. The anticipated products are a negotiations guide for Israel on Jerusalem topics and a model for special administration of the Old City. The goal is to better prepare negotiators and policymakers by thoroughly examining alternative scenarios and steps that can be taken in the absence of an agreement on Jerusalem.

1. The Israeli-Palestinian
Negotiations over Jerusalem
The Challenge Jerusalem is at the very core of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the heart of the national,
religious and political discourse on both sides. This makes the need to find a way to resolve
the conflict vital. Indeed, there will be no peace agreement without resolving the thorny issues
regarding Jerusalem. Due to the sensitivity of the subject, however, it is difficult for the negotiators
to adequately prepare the topic of Jerusalem in advance of a possible new round of negotiations.
Therefore, we at JIIS believe it is incumbent upon us to assist in this complex task and that we
have the tools and experience to do so. The challenge here is to draft comprehensive proposals and
analyses for decision makers that include alternative scenarios and innovative ideas for resolving
the Jerusalem quagmire.
The Project Plan To draft a guide for Israeli negotiators that focuses on Jerusalem. The document »» will include:
background material on geography, demography and social issues; a mapping of the parties
that have interests in Jerusalem and an analysis of those interests; an outline of possible
alternative scenarios regarding Jerusalem for Israel to examine; and ramifications of the
different scenarios on life in the city. It will also include an analysis of previous negotiations
and lessons learned from them and – notably – an evaluation of possible steps to take in the
absence of an agreement.
»»To assess the viability of a “special regime” model for the Historic Basin (the Old City and
surrounding areas); this will be a joint endeavor with a Palestinian team. The teams will define
parameters of a joint special regime to operate in the Basin area in the framework of a peace
treaty; they will address municipal services, management of holy sites, security and economic
questions, and more.
Anticipated Products »»A negotiations guide aimed at the Israeli side, with a focus on topics pertaining to Jerusalem
»»A model of a special Israeli-Palestinian regime in the Old City and surroundings
Anticipated Impact »» Enriching the knowledge of the primary negotiators and other actors involved in the talks over
the future of Jerusalem. This will be done through documents, briefings and brainstorming
sessions with experts
»» Professional thorough preparations regarding possible alternative scenarios concerning
Jerusalem for Israel to examine
Lead Researchers Israel Kimhi, Prof. Yitzhak Reiter, Dr. Amnon Ramon, Prof. Ruth Lapidoth, Lior Lehrs,
Meir Kraus
Cost Negotiations guide (including briefings with decision makers/negotiators): $80,000
Special Regime model and associated activities (workshop, etc.)
with Israeli and Palestinian actors: $80,000
The Jerusalem Institute for Israel Studies (founded in 1978) is an independent,
non-profit think tank, which has been engaged in the study of Jerusalem since its
inception. JIIS research covers a vast range of areas of life in Jerusalem: population,
economy, education, culture, tourism, environment, and more. Key to our success is
our closely guarded integrity, independence, and quality.