Peace Process

Policy Analysis on Peace Process

A Palestinian man in Gaza releases pigeons

Why Israel Should Keep Open the Possibility of Palestinian Statehood

The supposed “status quo” that some commentators are pushing Israel to embrace is so disfigured and hollowed out that it no longer meets the definition of the phrase.

Feb 24, 2025

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Robert Satloff

Brief Analysis

Two Arab Summits Hold the Key to a Viable Gaza Plan

Under heavy pressure from the Trump administration, the Arab states with the most to gain—and lose—in Gaza should be spending the next two weeks doing everything they can to reach consensus on bold, concrete counter-proposals.

Feb 19, 2025

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David Schenker
Ghaith al-Omari

A Palestinian views a building reduced to rubble in Gaza - source: Reuters

Brief Analysis

When the Riviera Meets the Sumud: Why Palestinian Realities Don’t Mesh with Trump’s Gaza Plan

Trump’s vision to transform Gaza is based on economic and utilitarian considerations, but it fails to take into account the Palestinian connection to the land, which remains a central component of Palestinian national identity.

Feb 18, 2025

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Neomi Neumann

Protesters in New York City demand the release of U.S. citizens held hostage by Hamas in Gaza - source: Reuters

Brief Analysis

Trump Gives a Green Light to Resume Fighting in Gaza—But Does Netanyahu Want to Do It Now?

A hostage ultimatum from Washington seemed to provide Netanyahu with the freedom of action he wanted, but Israeli domestic realities may not allow him to break the ceasefire just yet.

Feb 11, 2025

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David Makovsky

Brief Analysis

King Abdullah Must Show Trump Practical Arab Ideas for Gaza

Although the president should avoid cornering such an important ally on an issue as risky as Palestinian relocation, the king will need to present his own concrete ideas about postwar Gaza in order to avoid a confrontation with Washington.

Feb 10, 2025

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Ghaith al-Omari

Brief Analysis

How Trump, Arab Leaders, and Israel Can Close the Gaps on Gaza

Despite its risks for regional stability and U.S. policy, the president’s Gaza proposal has put this issue at the top of the priority list.

Feb 7, 2025

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Dennis Ross
Dana Stroul

A view of a Palestinian neighborhood reduced to rubble in Gaza - source: Reuters

Articles & Testimony

Criticizing Trump Isn’t Enough. Arab Leaders Need a Counterproposal

Moving forward with an alternative Gaza plan may not be the president’s first choice, but he could at least take credit for getting Arab states to take action.

Feb 6, 2025

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Dennis Ross

Aerial view of the site of an Israeli-Hamas prisoner-hostage swap in Gaza in January 2025 - source: Reuters

Articles & Testimony

The Path to a Transformed Middle East: How to Keep the Peace in Gaza While Countering Iran

Very close allied coordination will be needed to strike the right balance between pursuing viable nuclear diplomacy and giving Israel the weapons and support it needs to use force against Iran if necessary.

Feb 3, 2025

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Dennis Ross
David Makovsky

Brief Analysis

From October 7 to the Gaza Ceasefire: A Changed Middle East Awaits the Trump Administration

Important strategic changes abound in the region, but policymakers should take care not to underestimate the persistence of old challenges or the potential emergence of new threats.

Jan 31, 2025

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Neomi Neumann

Brief Analysis

Brinkmanship Over Israel’s Ban on UNRWA

Rather than using the months since the passage of new laws as an opportunity to agree on a more gradual implementation plan and identify alternatives to the controversial relief agency, the parties have simply dug in their heels.

Jan 28, 2025

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David Makovsky

Articles & Testimony

Hamas May Be Cheering, But It Is Writhing in Pain

All the talk of Hamas emerging from the war with the upper hand contradicts the realities on the ground, where the group has lost its military capabilities, has no hope of substantial outside help, and has failed to ignite the West Bank.

Jan 26, 2025

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Ehud Yaari

Brief Analysis

Opening the Floodgates: The Gaza Deal and Trump’s Presidency

The ceasefire is already shaking up Israel’s politics and high command; prompt, well-coordinated action with Washington could help counter threats on several external fronts as well.

Jan 24, 2025

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Assaf Orion

A photo of Palestinians watching President Biden's announcement of the Gaza ceasefire deal, January 2025.

Video

Brief Analysis

Gaza Ceasefire: Implications for Israel, Hamas, and U.S. Policy

Former Israeli and U.S. officials discuss the deal’s timing, provisions, and near-term prospects, outlining the Trump administration’s practical options for advancing peace in Gaza and beyond.

Jan 22, 2025

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Dennis Ross
Matthew Levitt
Neomi Neumann

Articles & Testimony

What the Israel-Hamas Ceasefire in Gaza Means for the Middle East

Netanyahu likely wanted to start off on a good foot with Trump—not just out of fear, but because Israel has its eyes on a much wider allied agenda in the region.

Jan 17, 2025

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David Makovsky

A police officer loyal to the Palestinian Authority stands guard on a wall at PA headquarters in Ramallah in 2007 - source: Reuters

Brief Analysis

PA Reform Is Key to West Bank Stability—and Possible Rule in Gaza

Although the Palestinian Authority’s increased governance activities may not indicate deep change, they could help stabilize the security situation in the West Bank and, perhaps, pave the way for PA rule in postwar Gaza.

Jan 17, 2025

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Neomi Neumann

Brief Analysis

Replacing UNRWA Is an Opportunity Trump Should Not Miss

The incoming U.S. administration has no intention of strong-arming Israel into working with such a problematic organization, so officials should focus on pressing other UN agencies to take on its job in Gaza—or risk cuts to their own funding.

Jan 15, 2025

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Robert Satloff

Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas and U.S. president Donald Trump at the White House - source: Reuters

Brief Analysis

The Trump Administration Will Have Avenues for Constructive Palestinian Engagement

Mahmoud Abbas seems willing to work with the incoming administration, but will his final legacy be one of diplomatic success, or will he be forced to return to his only remaining tool of “political resistance”?

Dec 3, 2024

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Neomi Neumann

Articles & Testimony

How to End the War in Gaza: Lessons from Lebanon

The Lebanon deal shows how Washington and Israel can use their newly gained leverage to resolve the Palestinian crisis.

Dec 2, 2024

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Stuart Eizenstat
Dennis Ross

Isaeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin shakes hands with Jordanian King Hussein in front of U.S. President Bill Clinton at the White House in 1994.

Video

Brief Analysis

A Partnership Worth Preserving

Israel’s former president and Jordan’s former foreign minister discuss the legacy of the peace treaty after three decades, including its relevance to the current regional conflict.

Oct 24, 2024

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Reuven Rivlin
Jawad al-Anani
Robert Satloff

Brief Analysis

How Blinken Can Seize Opportunity After the Deaths of Sinwar and Nasrallah

The United States has a short window to advance crucial goals in Gaza and Lebanon, including efforts to draw in Gulf support, establish a legitimate post-Hamas entity, and urge Beirut to start reasserting its sovereignty.

Oct 22, 2024

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David Makovsky

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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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Policy Analysis on Peace Process

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