Arab-Israeli Relations

Policy Analysis on Arab-Israeli Relations

Jordan Must Be Included in Future Israeli-Arab Normalization Deals

One of the most reliable strategic allies in the region has been taken for granted, so the Biden administration will need to steer more diplomatic attention and economic support Amman’s way.

Jan 3, 2021

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Ben Fishman

Brief Analysis

A Missile Defense “Manhattan Project” in the Middle East

One of the fruits of Arab-Israeli normalization should be more robust U.S.-led missile defense collaboration between states that face the greatest threat from Iran.

Dec 30, 2020

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Michael Knights

Brief Analysis

Israel’s Political Churn Continues: Implications for Netanyahu and U.S. Policy

Internal rifts and defections have upended the prime minister’s coalition, and the dynamics of the upcoming election campaign mean that Netanyahu will need to carefully avoid tensions with the Biden administration.

Dec 23, 2020

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David Makovsky

Brief Analysis

Washington Pushes to End the Qatar Rift

Successful diplomacy could enhance Arab normalization with Israel and boost U.S. efforts to counter Iran, but it is unclear if Riyadh wants to bargain now or wait for Joe Biden.

Dec 1, 2020

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Simon Henderson

Articles & Testimony

Forecasting U.S.-UAE Relations Under the New Biden Administration

From addressing Iranian threats to mending rifts with Qatar and Turkey, the sound bilateral partnership on regional issues will likely thrive in the Biden era, albeit with some marginal adjustments by both governments.

Dec 1, 2020

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David Pollock

Articles & Testimony

Saudi-Israeli Diplomacy Progresses Amid Looming Middle East Challenges

The reported meeting between the crown prince and Netanyahu will likely shift normalization into the fast lane, but much can happen to slow, stop, or even reverse it.

Nov 24, 2020

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Simon Henderson

Multimedia

Brief Analysis

Israeli President: Biden Should Help 'Build Confidence' Between Israelis, Palestinians

Watch video or read a transcript of President Rivlin's post-election interview with the executive director of The Washington Institute, along with remarks by King Abdullah II of Jordan.

Nov 23, 2020

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Reuven Rivlin
Robert Satloff

Brief Analysis

Cairo’s Concerns About a Biden Presidency

Egyptian leaders fear that his administration will openly confront them on human rights and enable an Islamist resurgence, but the outlook is brighter for engagement on Turkey, Israel, and other issues.

Nov 18, 2020

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Haisam Hassanein

Articles & Testimony

Saeb Erekat: The Friend, the Negotiator and the Politician

Remembering the late Palestinian official's long institutional memory and wide-ranging role in decades of peace diplomacy.

Nov 11, 2020

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David Makovsky

Articles & Testimony

On Israel-Palestine, Biden Is Not Just Another Version of Obama

A veteran Israeli official explains how the next administration will differ from its predecessors and why immediate consultations between Biden and Netanyahu’s teams are crucial.

Nov 9, 2020

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Michael Herzog

Multimedia

Brief Analysis

America Votes, the Middle East Reacts: Views on U.S. Elections from Across the Region

Experts from the Gulf, Egypt, Turkey, and Israel respond to the initial voting results and discuss factors that may help or hinder the next administration.

Nov 9, 2020

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Abdulrahman al-Rashed
Mohamed Anwar E. al-Sadat
Asli Aydintasbas
David Horovitz

Brief Analysis

Israel Expands West Bank Settler Units: Where Demography Meets Geography

Given how attuned Netanyahu’s government is to political vicissitudes in Washington, the U.S. election results will likely determine whether Israel continues its trend of approving more construction outside the security barrier.

Oct 30, 2020

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David Makovsky
Basia Rosenbaum
David Patkin

Brief Analysis

How Does Indonesia View the Prospect of Normalization with Israel?

Jakarta’s domestic politics make normalization unlikely despite years of positive signals, but the United States should nevertheless urge it to consider incremental, mutually beneficial steps toward rapprochement with Jerusalem.

Oct 28, 2020

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Michael Singh
Ehud Yaari

Articles & Testimony

Yitzhak Rabin Was Always a Realist. How Would He Have Handled the 2020 Mideast?

For starters, he would have used the new ties with Gulf states as a bridge to the Palestinians, not a bypass road.

Oct 28, 2020

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Dennis Ross
David Makovsky

Brief Analysis

The Sudan Agreement: Implications of Another Arab-Israel Milestone

The latest deal shows how firm U.S. pressure, quiet contacts with Israel, and domestic political breakthroughs can help Arab governments advance normalization even in the face of popular opposition and past military conflict.

Oct 26, 2020

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Ehud Yaari

Articles & Testimony

Bandar Speaks Out: The Changing Landscape in the Mideast

Palestinian leaders previously never had to acknowledge their mistakes or account for missed opportunities, preventing them from learning critical lessons and adjusting their behavior.

Oct 19, 2020

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Dennis Ross

Brief Analysis

Risks of the Palestinian Authority’s Outreach to Qatar and Turkey

Recent gestures, which have included reconciliation talks with Hamas, could strengthen the PA’s Gaza-based rival, further strain relations with its traditional Arab allies, and spur elections with destabilizing results.

Oct 13, 2020

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Ghaith al-Omari

Articles & Testimony

As Israel, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates Normalize Ties, China Looks on Warily

The growing Arab-Israeli rapprochement may be good for the Middle East, but it poses problems for Beijing’s strategy in the region.

Oct 13, 2020

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Michael Singh

Brief Analysis

Caucasus Clash Could Endanger Israeli Oil Imports

Israel’s normalization agreement with the United Arab Emirates may enable Gulf oil to make up for any break in Azerbaijani supplies, though this option could harm its ties with Baku and Turkey.

Oct 6, 2020

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Simon Henderson

Articles & Testimony

UAE-Israel Peace Is Revealing the Middle East’s Faultlines

Much of the commentary surrounding the deal has focused on what it portends for the Palestinian issue and other Israeli relationships, but it may say just as much about the four rival factions that have crystallized in the region since 2011.

Sep 26, 2020

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Sarah Feuer

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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