Israel

Policy Analysis on Israel

Gaza: How Can the Next War Be Prevented?

The following is the executive summary of a new BICOM study by Brig. Gen. Michael Herzog, IDF (Res.), The Washington Institute's Milton Fine International Fellow and former head of the IDF's Strategic Planning Division. Read the full report on the BICOM website. Two years after the last round of armed

Aug 26, 2016

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Michael Herzog

Fikra Forum

The New Normal: Today's Arab Debate Over Ties With Israel

Normalization remains controversial in Arab circles but is no longer taboo, as more Arabs come to view Israel as a potential partner against enemies like Iran.

Aug 25, 2016

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David Pollock

Brief Analysis

Israeli Defense Minister Surprises by Announcing West Bank Projects in Key Area

The initiative could boost the Palestinian economic sector in Area C during a period of diplomatic inactivity, but continued cooperation between Foreign Minister Liberman and the IDF could be tested if a rather quiet West Bank returns to violence.

Aug 19, 2016

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David Makovsky

Articles & Testimony

The World Needs to Work to Prevent the Next War in Gaza

Although political tools to address Gaza's basic maladies are unfortunately limited at the moment, many existing economic tools could help right away, including initiatives related to power plants, water supplies, desalination, housing reconstruction, laborer permits, and more.

Aug 16, 2016

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Michael Herzog

Video

Brief Analysis

A Transformative Experience: Understanding Hezbollah's Involvement in Syria

How has Hezbollah avoided a catastrophic quagmire in Syria and even exploited its campaign there to enhance its military capabilities? Two experts chart the group's evolution and its future threats to Lebanon, Israel, and regional order.

Aug 15, 2016

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Nadav Pollak
Hanin Ghaddar

Brief Analysis

Riyadh's Diplomatic Dance with Israel

The unofficial Saudi visit to Jerusalem is a significant advance but not quite a breakthrough in relations, raising questions about what's next.

Jul 25, 2016

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Simon Henderson

Brief Analysis

Iran Still Looms Large in Israel's Threat Perception

Israel and Washington should jointly address the perceived lack of U.S. deterrence against persistent Iranian and proxy threats, conclude the ten-year military assistance package as soon as possible, and launch a strategic high-level dialogue under the next administration.

Jul 15, 2016

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Michael Herzog

Maps & Graphics

Brief Analysis

The Islamic State Threat in the Golan Heights

Using both carrots and sticks, Israel has so far managed to prevent attacks against the Golan, but the danger is growing as jihadist movements increase their presence in southwestern Syria amid setbacks on other fronts.

Jul 14, 2016

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Fabrice Balanche

Brief Analysis

The Quartet Report (Part 2): Addressing Palestinian Incitement and Violence

Unlike past reports, this iteration plainly acknowledges glorification of violence from both Hamas and Fatah, but it pays inadequate attention to problems associated with Palestinian governance.

Jul 14, 2016

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David Makovsky

Articles & Testimony

Our Response to Terror Must Be Reconciliation

In the wake of terrorist incidents, societies and their political leaders must avoid the impulse to give in to hatred, focusing instead on reconciliation at the personal, community, and intercommunal levels.

Jul 12, 2016

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Mohammed Dajani

Video

Brief Analysis

Israeli Perspectives on International Peace Initiatives

Watch video or read a summary of a lively debate between Israeli lawmakers about how their government should address growing efforts to internationalize the peace process.

Jul 12, 2016

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Oded Eran
Michael Oren
Merav Michaeli

Brief Analysis

Egyptian Visit to Israel Could Preempt International Peace Initiatives

Egypt and Israel are exploring more overt consultation beyond the quiet security sphere, where ties are closer than ever amid shared threats.

Jul 11, 2016

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David Makovsky

Brief Analysis

The Quartet Report (Part 1): Defining the Settlement Challenge

The new report indicates that settlement growth is slowing and that most of it is occurring near the security barrier, but not having a declared policy in this regard may open Israel up to more internationalization drives.

Jul 8, 2016

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David Makovsky

Articles & Testimony

Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and Barriers to Peace

A former senior State Department advisor discusses the concrete steps Washington and other actors can take to improve conditions on the ground, setting the stage for future peacemaking even if more ambitious initiatives are not currently in the cards.

Jul 6, 2016

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David Pollock

Brief Analysis

Israel's Calculus for Reconciliation With Turkey

While the agreement is unlikely to reset relations between two leaders who have profoundly different worldviews, it may catalyze economic and security initiatives that benefit mutual Israeli, Turkish, Palestinian, and U.S. interests.

Jul 1, 2016

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David Makovsky

Brief Analysis

Turkey's Regional Charm Offensive: Motives and Prospects

After years of foreign policy setbacks, Ankara is trying to mend fences with Israel, Egypt, Iran, and Russia, and the potential implications for the United States are mostly beneficial -- assuming the Turks can actually pull it off.

Jun 27, 2016

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Soner Cagaptay
James Jeffrey

Brief Analysis

Israel's Leviathan Gas Field: Politics and Reality

Recent headlines about political breakthroughs with Turkey and potential future gas discoveries in the Eastern Mediterranean are encouraging, but they must be placed in the context of the steep financial and technological hurdles associated with such projects.

Jun 23, 2016

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Simon Henderson

Brief Analysis

Activism in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Clouds and Wind, but No Rain?

The recent flurry of international and regional activism may ultimately result in parameters and UN resolutions that dictate the agenda for the next U.S. administration, so Washington and other actors should weigh each initiative carefully.

Jun 21, 2016

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Michael Herzog

Articles & Testimony

Hizbullah Under Fire in Syria

Last month's assassination of a senior Hizbullah commander, apparently by Syrian rebel groups, demonstrates the growing threat the organization faces from fellow Arabs and Muslims.

Jun 9, 2016

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Matthew Levitt
Nadav Pollak

Articles & Testimony

How Netanyahu Could Surprise Us Again

The heated criticism of his government's rightward shift is obscuring the fact that Arab officials continue to work with Israel on various important initiatives, creating room for potential diplomatic developments that could render outside peacemaking forays moot.

Jun 2, 2016

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David Pollock

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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 the Lafer International Fellow at The Washington Institute.

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