Israel

Policy Analysis on Israel

Bennett on the Brink: Israel’s Precarious Coalition One Year On

Despite the government’s progress on deepening foreign ties, safeguarding domestic institutions, and bringing Arab Israeli leaders into national decisionmaking, it may soon be brought down by opposition maneuvers and fallout from terrorist attacks.

Jun 13, 2022

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David Makovsky

Iranian military leaders inspect drones.

Brief Analysis

Insecurity Prompts Iran’s Deceptive Show of Force

Tehran is using drone technology to restore a deterrent posture tarnished by recent targeted killings, attacks on military and nuclear sites, and popular domestic uprisings.

Jun 8, 2022

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Farzin Nadimi

Brief Analysis

Lebanon’s (Verbal) Threat Against Israeli Gas Exploration

Production from Israel’s Karish offshore natural gas field is scheduled to start later this year.

Jun 6, 2022

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Simon Henderson

An Egyptian guard inspects bomb damage near the Gaza border in Sinai

Articles & Testimony

Egypt's Remilitarized Sinai Is a Future Powder Keg

Cairo needs to hear from Israel, the United States, and the Multinational Force & Observers that its security violations erode the Egypt-Israel peace.

Jun 3, 2022

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David Schenker

Articles & Testimony

This Could Be the Next Big War That Grips the Entire World

Two countries that have long clashed are tempting fate with escalations that could soon spiral well beyond their borders.

Jun 2, 2022

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Neri Zilber

Palestians on a Mediterranean beach in Gaza

Articles & Testimony

Shifting East Mediterranean Tides: From Conflict to Club Med?

Although the worst-case scenarios of just a few years ago are in abeyance, the best-case ones of transformative cooperation are also still out of reach.

May 2022

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David Pollock

Israeli Prime Minister Bennett meets with the UAE's foreign minister in December 2021 - Source: Reuters

Video

Brief Analysis

Building an Arab-Israel Bloc: Can It Compensate for a Reluctant Washington?

Arab, European, and Israeli experts assess the possibilities and limits of normalization, discussing concerns about Iran’s nuclear program, U.S. retrenchment, and the Palestinian issue.

May 12, 2022

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Nickolay Mladenov
Zohar Palti
Ebtesam al-Ketbi
Karim Haggag

In-Depth Reports

Countering Iran's Regional Strategy

A Long-Term, Comprehensive Approach

A coordinated response to Iran’s aggression can preserve U.S. and Western interests, reinforce Israel and America’s Arab allies, and promote regional stability.

May 8, 2022

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Eyal Zamir

Arab Approval of UAE, Bahrain Peace with Israel

Video

Brief Analysis

New Arab Polls on Ukraine, Iran, Israel, and China: Analysis and Implications

Three public opinion experts discuss what March and April surveys in key states reveal about local attitudes toward U.S. policy.

May 3, 2022

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David Pollock
Catherine Cleveland
Munqith Dagher

Biden, Jordan's King Abdullah, Crown Prince Hussein

Brief Analysis

A Longer and Stronger Deal for Jordan

The kingdom can only transition from its crisis footing to a period of sustained economic growth if it receives more assistance over the coming period.

Apr 27, 2022

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Ben Fishman

Maps & Graphics

In-Depth Reports

Beyond the Blocs

Jewish Settlement East of Israel's Security Barrier and How to Avert the Slide to a One-State Outcome

Communities outside the West Bank security barrier constitute an obstacle to a future two-state solution and a potential source of friction between Washington and Jerusalem.

Apr 26, 2022

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David Makovsky

An Israeli security officer stands guard at the scene of a terrorist shooting in Tel Aviv, March 2022.

Articles & Testimony

A Badly Needed New Approach to Quelling the Violence

A U.S.-Israel attempt to compel Qatar, the Palestinian Authority, and Hamas to end terrorist attacks against Israelis could ultimately help reset dynamics, even if such a move generates a costly short-term backlash.

Apr 25, 2022

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Ehud Yaari

Maps & Graphics

Brief Analysis

Muqawama Cyber-Surge (Part 2): Attributing Attacks to Militia Platforms

Sabereen News has seemingly broadened its capabilities to include simple hacking tactics like DDoS attacks, and it might quickly proceed to more complex exploits.

Apr 25, 2022

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Hamdi Malik
Crispin Smith

◆ Militia Spotlight

Maps & Graphics

Brief Analysis

Muqawama Cyber-Surge (Part 1): Chronology of Recent Attacks

Sabereen News appears to have added cyberattacks to its normal activities of spreading militia propaganda and disinformation, claiming operations against Israeli, Turkish, and Saudi targets.

Apr 25, 2022

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Crispin Smith
Hamdi Malik

◆ Militia Spotlight

Brief Analysis

Egypt, Israel, and Hamas: Opportunities for Progress in Gaza

Cairo is signaling more initiative than ever on rebuilding Gaza, curbing Hamas, and openly engaging Israel, but longer-term progress will require greater international donor resources and U.S. diplomatic support.

Apr 19, 2022

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Ramy Aziz

Brief Analysis

Political Tempest in Israel: Can Bennett Right the Ship?

His coalition is just one lost seat from being legislatively hobbled or even ousted altogether, leaving him and his allies in Washington with little time for essential damage control.

Apr 11, 2022

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David Makovsky

Israeli Minister of Defense Benny Gantz - source: Israeli Ministry of Defense

Video

Brief Analysis

Defense Minister Benny Gantz Discusses Israel's Strategic Challenges

The country's top defense official shares his insights on recent terrorist attacks, the Iran nuclear talks, the Ukraine war, expanding cooperation with regional countries, and more.

Apr 11, 2022

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Benny Gantz

Israeli police respond to a shooting in Tel Aviv - source: Reuters

Video

Brief Analysis

Terror and Turbulence in Israel and the West Bank

Three experts discuss the risks of escalating violence on the ground, the Israeli and PA response so far, and U.S. policy options.

Apr 8, 2022

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Anna Ahronheim
Matthew Levitt
Ghaith al-Omari

Brief Analysis

Managing New Israeli-Palestinian Tensions During Ramadan

Despite increased readiness and cooperation in the lead-up to the holy month, recent polls provide a discouraging portrait of public hopes for peace, forcing authorities to keep a close eye on any moves that might inflame tensions.

Apr 1, 2022

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Ghaith al-Omari
David Pollock

Articles & Testimony

The Evolution of Russian Strategy Toward Israel: From Non-Recognition to Pragmatic Engagement

An in-depth look at how the two countries developed such a complex strategic relationship, and why Ukraine may present them with the most serious bilateral test of the Putin era.

March 2022

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Anna Borshchevskaya

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Featured experts

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 a Lafer International Fellow at The Washington Institute.

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Policy Analysis on Israel

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