Jimmy Carter's Legacy: From Camp David to a Fierce Critic of Israeli Policies

Tazeen Hasan 

The passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter marks the end of an era for a man whose legacy is deeply intertwined with both his facilitation of the Camp David Accords and his later criticism of Israeli policies. While the 1978 Camp David Accords, brokered by Carter, resulted in a peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, it has been criticized for sidelining Palestinian rights and failing to address the core issues of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In the years following his presidency, Carter increasingly recognized the deepening apartheid-like conditions faced by Palestinians, and this realization drove his shift from diplomatic facilitator to one of Israel's most vocal critics. Below are key instances where Carter’s critiques of Israel have shaped his post-presidential legacy:

"Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid" (2006):
In his book Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid, Carter accused Israel of imposing an apartheid system on Palestinians in the occupied territories. He argued that Israel's policies, including settlements in the West Bank and the construction of the separation barrier, discriminated against Palestinians and denied them basic human rights. The book sparked strong reactions, with critics accusing Carter of unfairly vilifying Israel, while supporters lauded him for speaking out about the suffering of Palestinians.

Carter Center's Advocacy:
Through the Carter Center, Carter has consistently advocated for Palestinian rights and a two-state solution. He has called for an end to Israeli occupation in the West Bank and Gaza, as well as an end to the blockade of Gaza, which he argues contributes to humanitarian suffering. The Center has also been involved in monitoring elections and promoting peace initiatives in the Middle East.

​Criticism of Israeli Settlements:
Carter has frequently criticized Israel's expansion of settlements in the West Bank, describing them as an obstacle to peace. He has argued that the continued building of settlements in occupied territories is a violation of international law and a significant barrier to achieving a two-state solution.

Condemnation of Israeli Military Actions:
Carter has been critical of Israel's military operations in Gaza, particularly during operations such as those in 2008-2009 and 2014. He has described the use of disproportionate force and the high civilian casualties in these operations as human rights violations. His criticisms are framed around his belief that Israel’s military actions often result in harm to innocent Palestinians.

Support for Boycotts and Sanctions:
Carter has expressed support for non-violent measures such as boycotts, divestments, and sanctions (BDS) as ways to pressure Israel to change its policies toward Palestinians. While he does not fully endorse the BDS movement, he has indicated support for efforts aimed at holding Israel accountable for its actions in the occupied territories.

In February 2024, the Carter Center issued a statement condemning the Israeli government's directive to forcibly transfer Palestinian civilians in Rafah to facilitate a military offensive. The Center expressed concern over the plan, noting that approximately 1.3 million Gazans were residing in overcrowded conditions in Rafah, which had previously been designated as a safe zone. The statement emphasized that such actions undermine prospects for long-term peace and the security and prosperity of all citizens.

In summary, while Carter initially played a key role in facilitating the Camp David Accords, which many argue overlooked the rights of Palestinians, his later years were marked by an outspoken stance against Israel's treatment of Palestinians. His advocacy for Palestinian rights and his calls for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict reflect his commitment to justice and human rights, even as his views have sparked controversy. Carter’s shift in perspective underscores his evolving understanding of the complex dynamics in the region and his commitment to peace and justice for all people.