Arab-Israeli Relations

Policy Analysis on Arab-Israeli Relations

A Panamanian-flagged oil tanker in the Persian Gulf - source: Reuters

Bahrain Hosts Regional Maritime Security Meeting

The first such gathering since the recent spate of Iranian attacks, the multinational meeting could help Washington build a coalition capable of preventing future flare-ups.

Oct 21, 2019

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Simon Henderson

Multimedia

Brief Analysis

Jordan-Israel Peace at Twenty-Five: Past, Present, and Future

Two pioneers of Israeli-Jordanian peace assess the state of their countries' relations on the twenty-fifth anniversary of their historic 1994 peace treaty.

Oct 11, 2019

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Jawad al-Anani
Shimon Shamir

Brief Analysis

Hezbollah Prioritizes Its Own Interests, Putting Lebanon at Risk

As demonstrators rail against economic problems, corruption, and sectarianism, the group’s role in undermining the public’s financial and physical security is coming under greater scrutiny.

Oct 3, 2019

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Matthew Levitt

IDF commandoes engage in a rescue mission

Maps & Graphics

In-Depth Reports

Guidelines for Israel's National Security Strategy

This new study examines the current map of Israel’s threats and proposes principles to address them as the basis for a comprehensive national security strategy.

Oct 2, 2019

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Gadi Eisenkot
Gabi Siboni

Articles & Testimony

The Economics of Calm

The stabilization efforts brokered by Israel’s defense establishment have kept a lid on things so far, but the hazards of this approach may be unsustainable at a time of donor drought and Palestinian institutional erosion.

Sep 26, 2019

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Katherine Bauer

Articles & Testimony

Seven Black Swans in the Middle East

Events considered impossible tend to happen in the region with unusual frequency, so when will the next one appear?

Sep 24, 2019

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Martin Kramer

Articles & Testimony

How to Think About Israeli-Palestinian Peace

In the current circumstances of deep disbelief on both sides, stabilization and development go hand in hand.

Sep 24, 2019

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Dennis Ross

Brief Analysis

The Premier Who Cried Gevalt: Why Netanyahu Lost His Majority

Whether due to institutional concerns, failed alarmist tactics, or turnout issues, Netanyahu’s seat tally shrank between rounds one and two, and time is now on Benny Gantz’s side.

Sep 19, 2019

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David Makovsky

Brief Analysis

On the Eve of Israel’s Do-Over: Final Maneuvers and Coalition Possibilities

Netanyahu continues to hunt for last-minute right-wing votes, while the center-left has cast its lot with a “national unity” strategy that would aim to peel Likud away from him.

Sep 16, 2019

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David Makovsky

Articles & Testimony

Netanyahu Is Endangering the Future of a Two-State Solution

Advocacy groups, congressional delegations, and Trump administration officials should all be asking Israel the same tough question: how can we help you rethink settlement expansion and thereby preserve separation as an option?

Sep 15, 2019

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Dennis Ross
David Makovsky

Brief Analysis

Iraq’s Air Defense Conundrum: Options for U.S. Policy

Baghdad is under pressure to show it can protect its airspace, but procuring Russian or Iranian equipment might complicate U.S.-Iraq relations without addressing the triggers for Israeli strikes.

Sep 12, 2019

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Michael Knights
Farzin Nadimi

Brief Analysis

How Will Palestinians Respond to Netanyahu’s Annexation Announcement?

Abbas will likely use it to rally the Arab League and UN against the Trump administration’s peace plan, and his success will depend on Washington’s own reaction going forward.

Sep 11, 2019

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Ghaith al-Omari

Articles & Testimony

To Win Re-Election, Bibi Netanyahu Is Waging ‘Wars’ at Home and Abroad

Publicizing IDF operations, threatening to annex the West Bank, and making alarmist statements about polling stations and the press may help him eke out a victory, but at what cost to Israel’s security and standing?

Sep 10, 2019

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Neri Zilber

Articles & Testimony

The North Korean-Israeli Shadow War

Whenever nuclear weapons technology appears in the hands of Israel’s enemies, Pyongyang is usually involved.

Sep 9, 2019

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Jay Solomon

Video

Brief Analysis

How Israel's Most Important Leaders Shaped Its Destiny

Two Washington Institute fellows join the children of former Israeli prime ministers to discuss how their legacy of leadership informs the country’s biggest looming challenge: maintaining the possibility of separation from the Palestinians.

Sep 9, 2019

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David Makovsky
Dalia Rabin
Gilad Sharon
Dennis Ross

Brief Analysis

Younger Palestinians More Moderate on Tactical Issues, But Not on Long-Term Peace with Israel

A recent survey suggests an immediate opening for Washington to promote certain reforms, but real reconciliation still looks like a distant dream.

Sep 6, 2019

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David Pollock

Brief Analysis

The Campaign Between Wars: How Israel Rethought Its Strategy to Counter Iran’s Malign Regional Influence

The architects of a landmark shift in IDF doctrine explain why the change was necessary, and how it has helped delay full-scale war even while forcefully confronting Tehran’s hegemonic ambitions.

Sep 4, 2019

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Gadi Eisenkot
Gabi Siboni

Articles & Testimony

What Israel Still Needs to Learn from Ariel Sharon

Whoever wins the next election may need to make a courageous political decision about separating from the Palestinians before that option disappears forever.

Sep 4, 2019

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Dennis Ross
David Makovsky

In-Depth Reports

Be Strong and of Good Courage

How Israel’s Most Important Leaders Shaped Its Destiny

Modern Israel's founding fathers provided some of the boldest and most principled leadership of any nation. Now Israel needs their example more than ever.

Sep 3, 2019

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Dennis Ross
David Makovsky

Brief Analysis

How Will Hezbollah Respond to Israel’s Drone Attack?

With the IDF seemingly expanding its missile hunt to Lebanon and Iraq, the actions of Iran’s proxies, their host governments, and U.S. officials will do much to determine if wider escalation is in the cards.

Aug 28, 2019

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Hanin Ghaddar

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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