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Thanks.

I still don't know what Israel really gained in Camp-David. Yes, there is no hot war with Egypt and Israelis can visit tourist sites. But, there is no principal difference between cold peace now and no war condition otherwise. Official Egypt propaganda against Israel is bad as ever. Sinai was an excellent buffer, so the border hostilities would be far removed. Egypt would not have $2bln US money to buy weapons, and Israel would not get into too much of dependence with it's $3bln. That also would force them into economic reforms away from too much government socialism in their economy.

Anti-Israel rhetoric in Europe and Arab world is bad now regardless of any concessions Israel did or ready to do. So, what was the point?

I agree with Valin of course, that all talk is pointless until there are two sides ready to compromise. One is not enough.

Back then, Egypt was the big Arab kid on the block. Most Arabs saw (and continue to see) the 1973 war as a huge Arab victory, despite the fact that only a UN cease fire, coupled with Soviet and American pressure, kept the Egyptian army from being completely destroyed. But once the peace deal with Egypt was signed, Israel felt much safer that the wars were over as the felt Jordan and Syria would never go to war without Egypt's help. It was really the 4th war involving Egypt in 25 years (not counting the "war of attrition" during the late 60s and early 70s). Most of the Israeli public wanted the peace deal at the time. There were huge demonstrations and lots of pressure on Begin.

Anyway, Israel did not have to make any concessions to the Palestinians and they were allowed to focus elsewhere (i.e. Lebanon).

But I agree with you. A cold peace, coupled with continuous terrorism, is worse for Israel in the long run. Especially given the bias in the UN and elsewhere.

Of course, Sadat's efforts earned him an assassination.