Rogers Proposes Ceasefire Plan in War of Attrition
December 9th, 1969
December 9th, 1969

How Long Ago?
55 years, 3 months, 6 days ago
Location
Middle East
Category
Politics & Government
War/Conflict
War of Attrition
People
- Yasser Arafat
- King Hussein
- William P. Rogers
Links & References
Tags
Rogers Proposes Ceasefire Plan in War of Attrition
U.S. Secretary of State William P. Rogers proposed a ceasefire plan for the ongoing War of Attrition between Israel and Egypt. The proposal aimed to halt the conflict, and both Egypt and Jordan accepted it despite the Palestinian Liberation Organization's (PLO) strong objections. The acceptance of this plan intensified tensions within Jordan, ultimately leading to civil war in September 1970, as rival factions vied for power and influence.
Rogers' plan aimed to end the War of Attrition.
Egypt and Jordan accepted the ceasefire proposal.
PLO strongly opposed the peace initiative.
Civil war erupted in Jordan in September 1970.
What Happened?
William P. Rogers, serving as the U.S. Secretary of State, played a significant role in Middle Eastern diplomacy during a period marked by the ongoing War of Attrition, a conflict primarily between Egypt and Israel that lasted from 1967 until 1970. On December 9, 1969, Rogers laid out a plan for a ceasefire that sought to quell the escalating violence and facilitate a diplomatic resolution. This proposal was critical given the death toll and regional instability that had characterized the war.
The ceasefire proposal received immediate acceptance from both Egypt and Jordan, showcasing a potential shift towards peace negotiations. However, it faced staunch opposition from the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), which felt excluded from the discussions and anxious about their diminishing influence over Palestinian territories and the broader Arab nationalist goals of the region. Despite the PLO's objections, the endorsement of the ceasefire plan by key states indicated a willingness from some Arab leaders to pursue negotiations, albeit at the expense of the PLO's agenda.
This decision had profound implications for Jordan, where the acceptance of the ceasefire exacerbated internal tensions. The PLO and Jordan’s monarchy, led by King Hussein, were positioned against each other, culminating in an explosive civil conflict that began in September 1970, famously known as Black September. The repercussions of this internal strife were felt across the region, significantly altering the political landscape of the Middle East.
Why Does it Matter?
The proposal for a ceasefire marked a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern politics, highlighting the complexities of Arab nationalism and the Palestinian cause. It underscored the delicate balance of power within Jordan and the escalating tensions between the monarchy and Palestinian factions. The civil war that ensued reshaped the dynamics of Palestinian representation and led to a re-evaluation of strategies among Arab states regarding their approach to Israel and the Palestinian question, thus influencing future peace processes.
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