Arab-Israeli Relations

Policy Analysis on Arab-Israeli Relations

In the name of Israeli unity, the former Blue-White leader has opted to detonate his bloc and allow Netanyahu to remain in power until next year, with uncertain consequences for domestic politics, West Bank annexations, and other issues.

Mar 27, 2020

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David Makovsky

Articles & Testimony

Coronavirus in the Holy Land: Israel Has Been Ready for a Crisis Such as This

Fortress Israel raised its drawbridges early, though its resultant economic and political outlook is just as uncertain as the rest of the world’s.

Mar 20, 2020

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Neri Zilber

Brief Analysis

As Israel’s Kingmaker Gets Off the Fence, Gantz Gets a Boost

Although Benny Gantz’s party lost the head-to-head battle, Avigdor Liberman’s favorable influence on the coalition math has left the general in a stronger position—and taken some diplomatic weight off the Trump administration’s shoulders.

Mar 9, 2020

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David Makovsky

Brief Analysis

Israel’s Electoral Marathon: Coalition Scenarios and Policy Implications

Although another abortive government formation process is possible, the main players could assemble an assortment of coalitions that differ widely in their approach to West Bank annexation and other issues.

Feb 28, 2020

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David Makovsky

Articles & Testimony

The Problem with Trump’s Middle East Peace Plan

The administration seemingly cannot decide if its plan is an opening gambit to trigger a compromise or a fait accompli that precludes one.

Feb 23, 2020

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Dennis Ross
David Makovsky

Articles & Testimony

Trump’s Mideast Plan Represents a Deep Paradigm Shift. What Should Israel Do Next?

The proposal could create a powerful new point of reference for any future Israeli leader, but it must not be adopted as a rigid operative blueprint.

Feb 21, 2020

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Michael Herzog

Brief Analysis

Challenges Await Oman’s New Sultan as Mourning Period Ends

Sultan Haitham will now be free to put his own stamp on the country's government and foreign policy, and a recent dust-up on the Yemeni border could provide the first indicator of his approach.

Feb 20, 2020

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Elana DeLozier

Multimedia

Settlements and Solutions

Is It Too Late for Two States?

Explore the geography and demography of Israeli settlements in this first-of-its-kind interactive mapping tool.

Feb 14, 2020

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David Makovsky

Articles & Testimony

The Middle East Peace Process: Analysis from a Former Negotiator

An in-depth assessment of how Washington should approach Israeli-Palestinian diplomacy at a time when the strategic foundation for American involvement has deteriorated.

Feb 12, 2020

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Michael Singh

Articles & Testimony

We Need a Corrective to Old Catechisms on Peace. Trump’s Plan Isn’t It

The best ideas in the plan will be delegitimized by its overall failure, because on each count the administration has stretched a laudable principle beyond recognition.

Feb 5, 2020

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Robert Satloff

Brief Analysis

Continuity vs. Overreach in the Trump Peace Plan (Part 2): Security, Refugees, and Narratives

By granting Israel much more say over the sovereignty of a future Palestinian state and its ability to absorb refugees, the document may undermine the administration’s ability to build an international coalition behind its policies.

Feb 4, 2020

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Ghaith al-Omari

Brief Analysis

Continuity vs. Overreach in the Trump Peace Plan (Part 1): Borders and Jerusalem

If the latest U.S. effort winds up backing the Palestinians into a territorial corner from the outset, then Washington may not be able to move the process any closer to direct negotiations.

Feb 4, 2020

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David Makovsky

Articles & Testimony

A Steep Uphill Climb: Why Trump’s New Mideast Peace Plan Will Likely Harden the Israeli-Palestinian Divide

As currently constituted, the plan cannot be accepted by any Palestinian who cares about self-determination, but implementing some of its economic provisions might create room for negotiations down the road.

Feb 2, 2020

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Dennis Ross

Articles & Testimony

Trump’s Peace Plan Won’t Have a Chance Unless Israel Shows Restraint on Annexation

Undifferentiated settlement annexation will inevitably undermine Israel’s ability to separate from the Palestinians, making a one-state outcome more likely.

Jan 29, 2020

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Dennis Ross
David Makovsky

Articles & Testimony

Trump Peace Plan Attracts Some Gulf States, But Not Consensus Backing

Bahrain, Oman, and the UAE have evidently decided that good relations with the White House are more important than echoing Palestinian anger or appeasing Iran.

Jan 29, 2020

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Simon Henderson

Articles & Testimony

Revealed at Last: Trump’s Israeli-Palestinian Peace Deal to End All Peace

Despite the applause in some quarters, the plan may wind up fostering tense conditions that are ripe for Palestinian violence.

Jan 28, 2020

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Neri Zilber

Brief Analysis

Palestinian Reactions to the Trump Plan

The PA will likely limit itself to quick diplomatic thrusts in order to preempt Arab support and isolate Washington, but any Israeli annexation moves could trigger more drastic action.

Jan 27, 2020

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Ghaith al-Omari

Articles & Testimony

Remembering the Muslims Murdered at Auschwitz

This modest proposal—to broaden the scope of Holocaust remembrance by including the names of Muslims killed at Auschwitz—appeared this weekend in English and Arabic in Saudi, Egyptian, and Israeli media outlets.

Jan 26, 2020

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Robert Satloff

Brief Analysis

The White House Peace Plan Meeting: U.S. Goals, Israeli Repercussions

Whether they reveal a detailed plan or merely preview an aspirational document, U.S. officials still need to clarify their goals at a time when elections are looming and Palestinian participation seems highly unlikely.

Jan 24, 2020

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David Makovsky

Articles & Testimony

The New Iranian General to Watch

The regime has promoted a hardened veteran of the Lebanon front, raising questions about the IRGC’s next steps following Soleimani's death.

Jan 23, 2020

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Matthew Levitt

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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