Arab-Israeli Relations

Policy Analysis on Arab-Israeli Relations

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

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

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

Articles & Testimony

The Current and Future Houthi Threat to the Middle East

An effective response to the group's persistent aggression should include strengthening the United Nations verification and inspection mechanism, preparing sanctions against actors who violate UN resolutions, and taking steps to interdict arms transfers.

Dec 29, 2024

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Michael Knights

Brief Analysis

Syria Is the First Major Aftershock of October 7—With More to Come?

From stability in Jordan to the future of Kurdish autonomy, Lebanese sovereignty, and Iranian nuclear proliferation, officials must prepare quickly to prevent or manage—and in some cases even encourage—further shocks in the Middle East.

Dec 11, 2024

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Zohar Palti

Photo showing smoke clearing from Beirut during the 2024 Hezbollah-Israel war.

Video

Brief Analysis

The Hezbollah-Israel Ceasefire and U.S. Leadership: What Comes Next

Four experts discuss the agreement’s detailed security provisions, the prospects for successful implementation, and the potential impact on other regional players.

Dec 4, 2024

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David Schenker
Hanin Ghaddar
Assaf Orion
Matthew Levitt

Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas and U.S. president Donald Trump at the White House - source: Reuters

Brief Analysis

The Trump Administration Will Have Avenues for Constructive Palestinian Engagement

Mahmoud Abbas seems willing to work with the incoming administration, but will his final legacy be one of diplomatic success, or will he be forced to return to his only remaining tool of “political resistance”?

Dec 3, 2024

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Neomi Neumann

Articles & Testimony

How to End the War in Gaza: Lessons from Lebanon

The Lebanon deal shows how Washington and Israel can use their newly gained leverage to resolve the Palestinian crisis.

Dec 2, 2024

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Stuart Eizenstat
Dennis Ross

Articles & Testimony

30 Years of Israel-Jordan Relations

Despite the wartime rancor, the peace treaty continues to deliver invaluable economic and security dividends to both states.

Oct 26, 2024

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David Schenker

Isaeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin shakes hands with Jordanian King Hussein in front of U.S. President Bill Clinton at the White House in 1994.

Video

Brief Analysis

A Partnership Worth Preserving

Israel’s former president and Jordan’s former foreign minister discuss the legacy of the peace treaty after three decades, including its relevance to the current regional conflict.

Oct 24, 2024

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Reuven Rivlin
Jawad al-Anani
Robert Satloff

Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaking with President Joe Biden

Articles & Testimony

Book Review: “War” by Bob Woodward

The veteran journalist dishes on the Jordanian king’s “man cave,” Biden’s pique at both Netanyahu and Abbas, and Harris’s public versus private diplomatic style.

Oct 21, 2024

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Simon Henderson

U.S. President Joe Biden greets French President Emmanuel Macron at the White House in December, 2022 - source: White House

Brief Analysis

Assessing U.S.-French Cooperation a Year After October 7

Fighting on several Middle East fronts has revealed gaps between the allies, but they have ample room to collaborate in areas that range from ensuring Lebanese sovereignty to delivering humanitarian aid.

Oct 18, 2024

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Souhire Medini

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

Articles & Testimony

Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar’s Death Can Bring the Middle East Closer to Peace

The long-elusive terrorist was known for brutality to Israelis and Gazans alike, and his passing opens the door to diplomatic, economic, and political progress.

Oct 17, 2024

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Jeffrey Sonnenfeld
Dennis Ross
Steven Tian

A banner in Gaza depicts the new Hamas leader, Yahya al-Sinwar - source: Reuters

Brief Analysis

How Sinwar’s Death Could Change the War

The demise of the Hamas leader and October 7 plotter could create significant diplomatic opportunities for Israel and the United States.

Oct 17, 2024

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Ghaith al-Omari
Neomi Neumann

EU vessel participating in Operation Aspides against the Houthis.

Maps & Graphics

The Ship Operators Shrugging Off Houthi Attacks

While major operators will continue to avoid the Red Sea in 2025, others are launching new services in the high-risk waterway, including some that manage China-linked vessels.

Oct 16, 2024

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Noam Raydan

◆ Maritime Spotlight

Articles & Testimony

How Israel Can Leverage Its Successes (Yes, Successes)

Despite massive failures leading up to the Gaza war and numerous controversies since then, Israel has made important achievements—now it must connect them to a clearly stated set of realistic strategic goals.

Oct 8, 2024

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David Makovsky

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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Policy Analysis on Arab-Israeli Relations

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