Security Challenges Facing the New Israeli Government

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Photo credit: Reuters

The State of Israel is not required by law to adopt a national security strategy. But the need for such a document has been often raised, and several efforts have been made to write one. In October 1953, Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion presented a long disquisition on Israel’s security needs to the Cabinet, which he […]

The Abraham Accords at Year Two: A Work Plan for Strengthening and Expansion

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Photo credit: Kobi Gideon/GPO / Latin America News Agency via Reuters Connect

Although it was not the Biden administration that fathered the Abraham Accords, it proved willing to adopt them—hoping, with this endorsement, to assuage the dismay felt by many in the region with other aspects of its policy. Still, the president has done little, so far, to promote the Accords and their expansion. Moreover, the weakening […]

The Debate Inside Israel over the Maritime Boundary Arrangement with Lebanon

Israeli delegates deliver statements after signing the maritime border deal with Lebanon, in Rosh Hanikra, northern Israel October 27, 2022. Photo credit: REUTERS/Amir Cohen

Not since the Oslo Accords of 1993–1995 has an aspect of Israel’s relations with an Arab neighbor aroused such vehement argument in the Israeli public. Unlike the Oslo Accords, however, this is not a bilateral agreement signed in each other’s presence as Lebanon refuses to deal with Israel directly, in any manner that would imply […]

Biden, the Congressional Elections in November and the Nuclear Deal With Iran

U.S. President Joe Biden. Photo credit: REUTERS

Labor Day marks the end of summer holidays for most Americans. This year it’s also the beginning of the run-up to the November elections. Political opinion surveys over the past two months indicate a shift of momentum. The Republicans were initially anticipated to benefit from a “red wave” retaking the Senate and obtaining as much […]

Israel Engages Washington on Iran: What Does Lapid Hope to Achieve?

Seeks to “move the needle” on specific issues with the US. Israeli Prime minister Yair Lapid with U.S. President Joe Biden. Photo credit: REUTERS

In mid-August 2022, reports began to spread in Israel’s political class about Iran’s willingness to compromise in the ongoing negotiations over a revived Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). This has led to a fear that the Biden administration may finally be within reach of a deal, which would put billions in Iran’s coffers and […]

Anticipating Iran’s Future

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. Photo credit: Morteza Nikoubazl via Reuters Connect

The Islamic Republic of Iran, now 43 years old, has proven itself to be remarkably resilient in weathering both geopolitical turbulence and domestic hardships. In doing so, it has defied the predictions of numerous scholars and pundits.  This trend could very well continue. Iran’s clerical elite has turned out to be extremely adept at changing […]