Arab-Israeli Relations

Policy Analysis on Arab-Israeli Relations

This Could Be the Next Big War That Grips the Entire World

Two countries that have long clashed are tempting fate with escalations that could soon spiral well beyond their borders.

Jun 2, 2022

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Neri Zilber

Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in 2022 - source: Reuters

Brief Analysis

Return of Old Leader Presents New Opportunities in Somalia

The Biden administration should be encouraged by the incoming president’s ties to the UAE and apparent openness to bolstering the counterterrorism fight and normalizing with Israel.

May 26, 2022

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Ido Levy

Palestians on a Mediterranean beach in Gaza

Articles & Testimony

Shifting East Mediterranean Tides: From Conflict to Club Med?

Although the worst-case scenarios of just a few years ago are in abeyance, the best-case ones of transformative cooperation are also still out of reach.

May 2022

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David Pollock

Israeli Prime Minister Bennett meets with the UAE's foreign minister in December 2021 - Source: Reuters

Video

Brief Analysis

Building an Arab-Israel Bloc: Can It Compensate for a Reluctant Washington?

Arab, European, and Israeli experts assess the possibilities and limits of normalization, discussing concerns about Iran’s nuclear program, U.S. retrenchment, and the Palestinian issue.

May 12, 2022

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Nickolay Mladenov
Zohar Palti
Ebtesam al-Ketbi
Karim Haggag

In-Depth Reports

Countering Iran's Regional Strategy

A Long-Term, Comprehensive Approach

A coordinated response to Iran’s aggression can preserve U.S. and Western interests, reinforce Israel and America’s Arab allies, and promote regional stability.

May 8, 2022

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Eyal Zamir

Arab Approval of UAE, Bahrain Peace with Israel

Video

Brief Analysis

New Arab Polls on Ukraine, Iran, Israel, and China: Analysis and Implications

Three public opinion experts discuss what March and April surveys in key states reveal about local attitudes toward U.S. policy.

May 3, 2022

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David Pollock
Catherine Cleveland
Munqith Dagher

Biden, Jordan's King Abdullah, Crown Prince Hussein

Brief Analysis

A Longer and Stronger Deal for Jordan

The kingdom can only transition from its crisis footing to a period of sustained economic growth if it receives more assistance over the coming period.

Apr 27, 2022

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Ben Fishman

Maps & Graphics

In-Depth Reports

Beyond the Blocs

Jewish Settlement East of Israel's Security Barrier and How to Avert the Slide to a One-State Outcome

Communities outside the West Bank security barrier constitute an obstacle to a future two-state solution and a potential source of friction between Washington and Jerusalem.

Apr 26, 2022

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David Makovsky

An Israeli security officer stands guard at the scene of a terrorist shooting in Tel Aviv, March 2022.

Articles & Testimony

A Badly Needed New Approach to Quelling the Violence

A U.S.-Israel attempt to compel Qatar, the Palestinian Authority, and Hamas to end terrorist attacks against Israelis could ultimately help reset dynamics, even if such a move generates a costly short-term backlash.

Apr 25, 2022

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Ehud Yaari

Brief Analysis

Egypt, Israel, and Hamas: Opportunities for Progress in Gaza

Cairo is signaling more initiative than ever on rebuilding Gaza, curbing Hamas, and openly engaging Israel, but longer-term progress will require greater international donor resources and U.S. diplomatic support.

Apr 19, 2022

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Ramy Aziz

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett at a cabinet meeting in 2022 - source: Reuters

Brief Analysis

Political Tempest in Israel: Can Bennett Right the Ship?

His coalition is just one lost seat from being legislatively hobbled or even ousted altogether, leaving him and his allies in Washington with little time for essential damage control.

Apr 11, 2022

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David Makovsky

Israeli Minister of Defense Benny Gantz - source: Israeli Ministry of Defense

Video

Brief Analysis

Defense Minister Benny Gantz Discusses Israel's Strategic Challenges

The country's top defense official shares his insights on recent terrorist attacks, the Iran nuclear talks, the Ukraine war, expanding cooperation with regional countries, and more.

Apr 11, 2022

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Benny Gantz

Israeli police respond to a shooting in Tel Aviv - source: Reuters

Video

Brief Analysis

Terror and Turbulence in Israel and the West Bank

Three experts discuss the risks of escalating violence on the ground, the Israeli and PA response so far, and U.S. policy options.

Apr 8, 2022

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Anna Ahronheim
Matthew Levitt
Ghaith al-Omari

Brief Analysis

Managing New Israeli-Palestinian Tensions During Ramadan

Despite increased readiness and cooperation in the lead-up to the holy month, recent polls provide a discouraging portrait of public hopes for peace, forcing authorities to keep a close eye on any moves that might inflame tensions.

Apr 1, 2022

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Ghaith al-Omari
David Pollock

Brief Analysis

Making the Most of Jordan’s Peace Diplomacy

To follow up on the king’s Ramallah trip, Washington should encourage further engagement in the peace process beyond the diplomatic realm, including economic stabilization initiatives and tie-ins with the Abraham Accords.

Mar 29, 2022

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Ghaith al-Omari

Israeli and Arab foreign ministers, along with U.S. Secretary of State Blinken, at the Negev Summit - source: Reuters

Articles & Testimony

A New Regional Role for Israel, as Washington Shows Signs of Stepping Back

By participating in the Negev Summit, Arab states are signaling their appreciation for Israel’s status as both a local power and a unique interlocutor with the United States.

Mar 28, 2022

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David Makovsky

Brief Analysis

Between Maritime Law and Politics in the East Mediterranean

Given the region’s fraught history and piecemeal legal frameworks, the parties and their allies should focus more on the political, economic, and security concerns underlying their legal disputes.

Mar 24, 2022

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Alexander Loengarov

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed in 2018 - source: Reuters

Articles & Testimony

The Middle East—Read “Energy”—Complicates Ukraine Crisis

A new gas deal with Germany may help, but the Gulf states are taking a risk by intertwining urgent Western energy requests with seemingly tangential regional issues.

Mar 22, 2022

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Simon Henderson

Maps & Graphics

Brief Analysis

Worldwide Water Crises: Israeli Innovations Can Help

The country’s cost-saving advances in drip irrigation, desalination, and water-from-air tech are already helping scores of countries address growing shortages.

Mar 11, 2022

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Shaina Katz

◆ Asset Test

Israeli and UAE flags flying together in Abu Dhabi - source: Reuters

Articles & Testimony

Israel-UAE Economic Cooperation Has Deep Roots and Broad Dividends

From growing bilateral investments to talk of a “new Quad,” the relationship could significantly affect regional economic integration and competition well beyond the Gulf.

Mar 8, 2022

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Katherine Bauer

Supported by the

Koret Program on Arab-Israel Relations

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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Featured experts

Ghaith al-Omari

Ghaith al-Omari is a 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 a Lafer International Fellow at The Washington Institute.

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Policy Analysis on Arab-Israeli Relations

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