Arab-Israeli Relations

Policy Analysis on Arab-Israeli Relations

Map of nothern Israel and Israel's borders with Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Avoiding an Israel-Syria Showdown (Part 2): An Opening for New Negotiations

Direct Israeli dialogue with Syria’s transitional government could produce a new framework for bilateral relations—one that includes effectively ending the perpetual state of belligerency, accepting Israel’s special relationship with the Druze, agreeing on spheres of coordination throughout the south, and cooperating against Iran and Hezbollah’s comeback attempts in Syria and Lebanon.

Mar 21, 2025

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Ehud Yaari

Brief Analysis

Avoiding an Israel-Syria Showdown (Part 1): The Risks of “Occupation”

Israel’s cross-border incursion is understandable but may have gone too far, raising the need for U.S. intercession on merging Syria’s disparate forces, easing sanctions, deconflicting with Turkey, and other urgent stabilization tasks.

Mar 20, 2025

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David Schenker

Ukraine's President Zelenskyy and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salma meet in Jeddah in March 2025 - source: Reuters

Brief Analysis

Saudi Arabia’s Emergence as a Diplomatic Broker

Riyadh has demonstrated the desire and ability to play a bigger diplomatic role in the Middle East and beyond, so Washington should support these aspirations—while taking care to balance relations with other Gulf states and ensure that Riyadh contributes constructively.

Mar 12, 2025

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Elizabeth Dent

Brief Analysis

Short-Lived U.S.-Hamas Talks Are a Cautionary Tale for Washington and Jerusalem

To maintain pressure on Hamas and preserve U.S. deterrence at a sensitive point in Gaza discussions, the Trump administration needs to lock in its diplomatic coordination and public messaging with Israel.

Mar 11, 2025

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David Makovsky

Brief Analysis

Two Arab Summits Hold the Key to a Viable Gaza Plan

Under heavy pressure from the Trump administration, the Arab states with the most to gain—and lose—in Gaza should be spending the next two weeks doing everything they can to reach consensus on bold, concrete counter-proposals.

Feb 19, 2025

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David Schenker
Ghaith al-Omari

A Palestinian views a building reduced to rubble in Gaza - source: Reuters

Brief Analysis

When the Riviera Meets the Sumud: Why Palestinian Realities Don’t Mesh with Trump’s Gaza Plan

Trump’s vision to transform Gaza is based on economic and utilitarian considerations, but it fails to take into account the Palestinian connection to the land, which remains a central component of Palestinian national identity.

Feb 18, 2025

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Neomi Neumann

Protesters in New York City demand the release of U.S. citizens held hostage by Hamas in Gaza - source: Reuters

Brief Analysis

Trump Gives a Green Light to Resume Fighting in Gaza—But Does Netanyahu Want to Do It Now?

A hostage ultimatum from Washington seemed to provide Netanyahu with the freedom of action he wanted, but Israeli domestic realities may not allow him to break the ceasefire just yet.

Feb 11, 2025

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David Makovsky

Brief Analysis

King Abdullah Must Show Trump Practical Arab Ideas for Gaza

Although the president should avoid cornering such an important ally on an issue as risky as Palestinian relocation, the king will need to present his own concrete ideas about postwar Gaza in order to avoid a confrontation with Washington.

Feb 10, 2025

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Ghaith al-Omari

Brief Analysis

How Trump, Arab Leaders, and Israel Can Close the Gaps on Gaza

Despite its risks for regional stability and U.S. policy, the president’s Gaza proposal has put this issue at the top of the priority list.

Feb 7, 2025

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Dennis Ross
Dana Stroul

A view of a Palestinian neighborhood reduced to rubble in Gaza - source: Reuters

Articles & Testimony

Criticizing Trump Isn’t Enough. Arab Leaders Need a Counterproposal

Moving forward with an alternative Gaza plan may not be the president’s first choice, but he could at least take credit for getting Arab states to take action.

Feb 6, 2025

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Dennis Ross

Brief Analysis

From October 7 to the Gaza Ceasefire: A Changed Middle East Awaits the Trump Administration

Important strategic changes abound in the region, but policymakers should take care not to underestimate the persistence of old challenges or the potential emergence of new threats.

Jan 31, 2025

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Neomi Neumann

Map released as part of the November 2024 Israel-Lebanon ceasefire.

Maps & Graphics

Brief Analysis

So Far So Good? The Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Is Largely Holding

The agreement’s implementation phase is going surprisingly well and has been extended, but maintaining the ceasefire will require officials to resolve the issues in dispute and address Hezbollah’s threats.

Jan 28, 2025

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Assaf Orion

Brief Analysis

Brinkmanship Over Israel’s Ban on UNRWA

Rather than using the months since the passage of new laws as an opportunity to agree on a more gradual implementation plan and identify alternatives to the controversial relief agency, the parties have simply dug in their heels.

Jan 28, 2025

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David Makovsky

Articles & Testimony

Hamas May Be Cheering, But It Is Writhing in Pain

All the talk of Hamas emerging from the war with the upper hand contradicts the realities on the ground, where the group has lost its military capabilities, has no hope of substantial outside help, and has failed to ignite the West Bank.

Jan 26, 2025

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Ehud Yaari

President Donald Trump meeting with King Salman in Saudi Arabia in 2017 - source: Reuters

Articles & Testimony

Expect the Unexpected with Trump and the Gulf

Whatever the new administration decides on major regional issues—from Gulf involvement in postwar Gaza to next steps on Iran—local leaders should be prepared to wait awhile and brace for surprises.

Jan 24, 2025

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Simon Henderson

Brief Analysis

Opening the Floodgates: The Gaza Deal and Trump’s Presidency

The ceasefire is already shaking up Israel’s politics and high command; prompt, well-coordinated action with Washington could help counter threats on several external fronts as well.

Jan 24, 2025

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Assaf Orion

A photo of Palestinians watching President Biden's announcement of the Gaza ceasefire deal, January 2025.

Video

Brief Analysis

Gaza Ceasefire: Implications for Israel, Hamas, and U.S. Policy

Former Israeli and U.S. officials discuss the deal’s timing, provisions, and near-term prospects, outlining the Trump administration’s practical options for advancing peace in Gaza and beyond.

Jan 22, 2025

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Dennis Ross
Matthew Levitt
Neomi Neumann

Articles & Testimony

What the Israel-Hamas Ceasefire in Gaza Means for the Middle East

Netanyahu likely wanted to start off on a good foot with Trump—not just out of fear, but because Israel has its eyes on a much wider allied agenda in the region.

Jan 17, 2025

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David Makovsky

Articles & Testimony

How Trump Can Remake the Middle East

If he uses his major regional leverage to curtail the Iranian nuclear threat and end the Gaza war, he will be well-placed to resume other important tasks that have been sitting on the back burner—including Israeli-Saudi normalization.

Jan 16, 2025

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Dennis Ross

Brief Analysis

Replacing UNRWA Is an Opportunity Trump Should Not Miss

The incoming U.S. administration has no intention of strong-arming Israel into working with such a problematic organization, so officials should focus on pressing other UN agencies to take on its job in Gaza—or risk cuts to their own funding.

Jan 15, 2025

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Robert Satloff

Supported by the

Koret Project on Arab-Israel Relations

Through moments of hope and challenge in the Middle East diplomacy, The Washington Institute's Koret Project on Arab-Israel Relations is committed to providing America's policymakers with timely analysis on issues of critical concern to Israel and its Arab neighbors.

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Featured experts

Ghaith al-Omari

Ghaith al-Omari is the Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation Senior Fellow in The Washington Institute's Irwin Levy Family Program on the U.S.-Israel Strategic Relationship.

David Makovsky

David Makovsky is the Ziegler Distinguished Fellow at The Washington Institute and director of the Koret Project on Arab-Israel Relations.

Dennis Ross

Dennis Ross, a former special assistant to President Barack Obama, is the counselor and William Davidson Distinguished Fellow at The Washington Institute.

Ehud Yaari

Ehud Yaari is the Lafer International Fellow at The Washington Institute.

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