It's no secret. Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization sign the Oslo peace accords, in which Palestinians gain self-rule in some areas in return for recognizing Israel's right to exist. Extremist Jew assassinates Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. Shimon Peres takes his place. Benjamin Netanyahu, who had opposed Oslo, wins election to prime minister.
Peace process falters repeatedly.
Barak and Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat restart talks and announce plans for a final agreement by Sept. 13, 2000. Hawkish opposition leader Ariel Sharon visits a disputed Jerusalem holy site, asserting Israeli sovereignty there. Palestinian riots begin and nearly 400 people, more than 85 percent Palestinian, have been killed since. President Bill Clinton leaves office after failing to broker a cease-fire or to restart talks. Talks in Taba, Egypt, end without an agreement.