Peace Process

Policy Analysis on Peace Process

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

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

Brief Analysis

Round Three in Israel: Domestic Dynamics and Foreign Policy Implications

The top contenders from round two were unwilling to compromise, but new primary challengers, shifts in voting patterns, and potential plea bargains may make their inflexibility a moot point by March.

Dec 17, 2019

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David Makovsky

Brief Analysis

Israeli Gas Export Route to Egypt Finalized

The two countries still need to resolve longer-term questions about international export options and energy contracts with Jordan, but the latest step toward reopening the pipeline is encouraging.

Nov 13, 2019

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Simon Henderson

Brief Analysis

New Gaza Crossing Raises Questions About Blockade Policies

The items being moved from Egypt through Salah al-Din Gate underline the contradictions and long-term unsustainability of the current stalemate regarding Gaza assistance.

Oct 23, 2019

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Neri Zilber

Articles & Testimony

What Israel’s Past Leaders Can Teach Us About Its Current Problem

Even though they did not share the same ideologies, Ben-Gurion, Begin, Rabin, and Sharon did share a common view of leadership and the role of the prime minister.

Oct 23, 2019

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David Makovsky
Dennis Ross

Brief Analysis

The Forgotten Peace at Twenty-Five: How to Protect and Strengthen Israel-Jordan Ties

On the twenty-fifth anniversary of the peace treaty, both parties and the United States have strategic interests in upholding and reinforcing the relationship.

Oct 23, 2019

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Ghaith al-Omari
Ben Fishman

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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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