Peace Process

Policy Analysis on Peace Process

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

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

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

Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaking with President Joe Biden

Articles & Testimony

Book Review: “War” by Bob Woodward

The veteran journalist dishes on the Jordanian king’s “man cave,” Biden’s pique at both Netanyahu and Abbas, and Harris’s public versus private diplomatic style.

Oct 21, 2024

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Simon Henderson

Then Vice President Joe Biden meets with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in 2010 - source: Reuters

Articles & Testimony

Is Diplomacy Doomed?

Once the election year subsides, newly elected governments will need to show political courage and creativity to revive diplomacy’s role in global governance.

Oct 21, 2024

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Eric Alter
Nickolay Mladenov

U.S. President Joe Biden greets French President Emmanuel Macron at the White House in December, 2022 - source: White House

Brief Analysis

Assessing U.S.-French Cooperation a Year After October 7

Fighting on several Middle East fronts has revealed gaps between the allies, but they have ample room to collaborate in areas that range from ensuring Lebanese sovereignty to delivering humanitarian aid.

Oct 18, 2024

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Souhire Medini

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

Articles & Testimony

Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar’s Death Can Bring the Middle East Closer to Peace

The long-elusive terrorist was known for brutality to Israelis and Gazans alike, and his passing opens the door to diplomatic, economic, and political progress.

Oct 17, 2024

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Jeffrey Sonnenfeld
Dennis Ross
Steven Tian

A banner in Gaza depicts the new Hamas leader, Yahya al-Sinwar - source: Reuters

Brief Analysis

How Sinwar’s Death Could Change the War

The demise of the Hamas leader and October 7 plotter could create significant diplomatic opportunities for Israel and the United States.

Oct 17, 2024

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Ghaith al-Omari
Neomi Neumann

Articles & Testimony

How Israel Can Leverage Its Successes (Yes, Successes)

Despite massive failures leading up to the Gaza war and numerous controversies since then, Israel has made important achievements—now it must connect them to a clearly stated set of realistic strategic goals.

Oct 8, 2024

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David Makovsky

(left to right) al-Aqsa Mosque, Jerusalem; an Israeli tank in Ramallah; Hamas (top) and Fatah (bottom) protests in Hebron

In-Depth Reports

Understanding Geographic Distinctions in West Bank Public Opinion

Respondents to an extensive new poll shared remarkably independent views on issues ranging from Hamas’s success in the Gaza war to the likelihood of Israel’s collapse.

Oct 8, 2024

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Catherine Cleveland

Flowers and a portrait of Hassan Nasrallah at a memorial to the slain Hezbollah leader in Beirut - source: Reuters

Articles & Testimony

How the Death of Hezbollah’s Nasrallah Brings a Renewed Opportunity for Mideast Peace

Netanyahu must translate Israel’s military achievements in Lebanon into political outcomes while also preventing far-right nationalists in his coalition from defining what is possible with the Palestinians.

Sep 29, 2024

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Jeffrey Sonnenfeld
Dennis Ross
Steven Tian

Supported by the

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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Peace Process

Policy Analysis on Peace Process

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Policy Analysis on Peace Process

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