Peace Process

Policy Analysis on Peace Process

The Biden administration cannot solve the Israeli-Palestinian problem today, but it can shrink the conflict by helping both sides take small steps toward a two-state solution.

May 25, 2021

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David Makovsky

Iron Dome rockets intercepting Hamas missiles over Tel Aviv

Brief Analysis

A Military Assessment of the Israel-Hamas Conflict

Both sides employed new methods in this round, and while Israel’s were more effective in military terms, the true measure of success will depend on how quickly Hamas can rebuild its warfighting capabilities and exploit any political gains.

May 25, 2021

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Grant Rumley
Neri Zilber

President Joe Biden speaks on the phone in the Oval Office of the White House

Brief Analysis

Winning the Gaza Ceasefire: Critical Decisions for the Biden Administration

Hamas may not have realized it when firing its first salvo against Jerusalem, but the challenge of its rockets didn’t end with a ceasefire—the administration now faces complex and urgent decisions that could affect the direction of its overall foreign policy.

May 21, 2021

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Robert Satloff

Articles & Testimony

The Real Impact of the War Between Hamas and Israel

The latest round of fighting may have come to an end, but the broader regional struggle over issues such as Sunni political Islam, normalization, and Iranian encroachment will continue for the long term.

May 21, 2021

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Sarah Feuer

Articles & Testimony

After the Gaza Cease-Fire, What Next?

From calling out Qatar and Turkey to encouraging direct Israeli aid, Washington should pursue bolder initiatives that boost the chances of avoiding bloodshed.

May 20, 2021

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David Pollock

Articles & Testimony

How the World Could Help End the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict—and Prevent Future Clashes

To make the ceasefire a lasting one, Washington should pursue discreet Israeli-Saudi normalization discussions and force Hamas to choose between its rockets and reconstruction.

May 19, 2021

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Dennis Ross

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh gestures to supporters

Articles & Testimony

Israel-Gaza Violence Means Biden Must Avoid Emboldening Hamas in Any Cease-Fire Deal

Boosting aid and addressing provocative policies will need to be discussed soon, but doing so prematurely would only further the terrorist group’s power struggle against the nonviolent Palestinian Authority.

May 18, 2021

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Ghaith al-Omari

Brief Analysis

How Cairo Can Help Ease the Israeli-Palestinian Crisis

Washington should welcome Egypt’s desire to restore its role as a peace mediator, but only if both governments are willing to formulate a constructive approach that avoids repeating the mistakes of the Mubarak era.

May 18, 2021

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Haisam Hassanein

Photo showing the Iron Dome defense system intercepting Hamas rockets over Ashkelon, Israel, in May 2021.

Video

Brief Analysis

Hamas-Israel Violence: Context and Trajectory

What caused the latest Israeli-Palestinian crisis? What does each side seek to gain from it? And how can Washington help deescalate the fighting? Watch video or read a summary of this expert panel discussion.

May 18, 2021

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Lucy Kurtzer-Ellenbogen
Ehud Yaari
Ghaith al-Omari

Articles & Testimony

How Fighting With the Palestinians Gave Israel’s Netanyahu a Political Lifeline

The most imminent threat to his rule has fizzled since the shooting began, but domestic anger toward him remains widespread.

May 14, 2021

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Neri Zilber

Articles & Testimony

Stopping the Cycle in the Mideast

In addition to seeking Egypt’s help with mediation, the Biden administration needs to recognize that several motivations are driving Hamas in this round, so raising the cost to the group cannot just be measured in military terms.

May 14, 2021

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David Makovsky
Dennis Ross

Articles & Testimony

How War With the Palestinians Triggered Ethnic Violence in Israel

In mixed towns across the country, Arab and Jewish citizens have turned on one another, with substantial implications for the government formation process and other issues.

May 13, 2021

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Neri Zilber

Israeli politicians Yair Lapid and Naftali Bennett

Brief Analysis

Can the Change Coalition End Israel’s Endless Election Cycle?

The diverse coalition may be able to form a viable government, but it will need to navigate carefully in light of internal political differences and Netanyahu’s presence in the opposition as a potential spoiler.

May 6, 2021

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David Makovsky

Brief Analysis

UAE Wealth Fund to Buy Share of Israeli Gas Field

If the $1.1 billion deal goes ahead, it will strengthen Abu Dhabi’s claim to be a player in the East Mediterranean.

Apr 27, 2021

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Simon Henderson

Articles & Testimony

Biden’s ‘Open Door’ to the Palestinian Authority

Reestablishing U.S. funding and diplomatic missions may pose problems given the Palestinian leadership’s continued rejectionism, but one key benefit could be ending the PA “pay for slay” program.

Apr 26, 2021

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David Pollock
Sander Gerber

Brief Analysis

Hamas Fields a Militant Electoral List: Implications for U.S.-Palestinian Ties

The group plans to put numerous convicted terrorists on the ballot, and neither the PA nor the international community seems willing to talk about the potential legal, diplomatic, and budgetary consequences.

Apr 21, 2021

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Katherine Bauer
Matthew Levitt

Photo of Muslim World League secretary-general Mohammad Al-Issa visiting Auschwitz

Video

Brief Analysis

Teaching the Holocaust in the Arab World

A remarkable panel of Arab educators, activists, and civic leaders share their experiences with breaking regional taboos and formulating effective ways to teach youths about genocide.

Apr 12, 2021

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Ali al-Nuaimi
Zeina Barakat
El Mehdi Boudra

A delegation of Gulf Arab men and women visit Yad Vashem in Jerusalem.

Articles & Testimony

The Crumbling Walls of Arab Holocaust Denial

Four factors have gradually legitimized honest regional discussion of the Holocaust and made traditional statements of denial and distortion less acceptable.

Apr 8, 2021

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Robert Satloff

Brief Analysis

Two Kingmakers Stand at the Center of Israel’s Coalition Drama

Despite winning relatively few seats, Naftali Bennett and Mansour Abbas may have much to say about who forms the next government, and a fragile coalition seems inevitable regardless of which side they choose.

Apr 2, 2021

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David Makovsky

Articles & Testimony

Biden Needs to Tear Down Bureaucratic Walls and Refocus Middle East Programs

With few exceptions, the U.S. government has pursued Arab development, Israeli-Palestinian engagement, and Arab-Israel normalization as three separate, walled-off tracks, which no longer makes any sense.

Apr 1, 2021

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Joseph Braude
Dennis Ross

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Through moments of hope and challenge in the Middle East diplomacy, The Washington Institute's Koret Program 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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Policy Analysis on Peace Process

Koret Program on Arab-Israel Relations

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Peace Process

Policy Analysis on Peace Process

Koret Program on Arab-Israel Relations

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