The UAE’s Foreign Policy Anchors and Their Influence on Israel and the Region

This policy paper explores the fast-moving expansion of the UAE’s influence in the Middle East through physical control of territories and assets beyond its borders, analysing the implications for Israel, in particular, and for the regional balance of power as a whole. The paper begins by outlining a conceptual policy framework of so-called “anchors” and “grips” with unique characteristics. It then presents a focused empirical review of the infrastructure, assets, territories and other types of physical property the UAE has acquired to implement its policy in four key arenas: Egypt, Jordan, Israel and the Gaza Strip. The paper then analyzes the regional implications of this process and its specific effects on Israel including its relations with the Palestinians and concludes by proposing guiding principles to address this trend. Scholars and decision makers will find the paper relevant to political and strategic planning for Israel’s regional engagement, particularly concerning Jordan, Egypt, and the Gaza Strip. The importance of the process the paper describes lies in the scope and speed with which this transformative phenomenon is spreading and changing the regional dynamics. This shift disrupts the traditional division between bilateral and regional relations, necessitating a reassessment of how Israel manages its relationships – both with the UAE as an investor and with the neighbouring countries in which it chooses to invest.

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A “Revitalized” EUBAM Rafah? One Avenue for Eu’s Involvement in the “Day After” in Gaza

The re-deployment of the European Union Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point (EUBAM Rafah) emerges as one crucial component for promoting stability and governance in Gaza already during the cease-fire and in “the day after” the war. The deployment and re-deployment of international missions in conflict zones often present complex and multi-dimensional challenges that require a thorough examination of political, security, and socio-economic factors. EUBAM Rafah remains a critical focal point in efforts to stabilize the region, enhance humanitarian aid delivery, and facilitate trade. This paper aims to evaluate the opportunities and challenges associated with the re-deployment of EUBAM Rafah in the post-conflict scenario, as part of the general role the European Union (EU) can take in the aftermath of the Gaza war. The paper draws valuable lessons from several EUBAM missions, provides a practical roadmap for future engagement by outlining both immediate and long-term strategies aimed at improving border management, strengthening security measures, and supporting Gaza’s reconstruction and economic recovery, and presents a framework for understanding how an international mission can play a pivotal role in shaping a more secure and stable future for Gaza and the wider region.

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Saudi perspective: The Palestinian issue cannot be pushed aside

I heard that Israeli media has been debating about the Saudi position regarding the way to end the war and move forward, and its obligation to the Palestinian issue. It seems that Saudi Arabia’s position is ambiguous to you. The Saudi kingdom is not easy to understand. It is not just a state but an idea, comprised of religious, tribal, and Arab identities that intersect with threat perceptions, existential strategic interests, and dynamic pragmatism. While the nature of Saudi Arabia is inherently challenging to comprehend, no one bears greater responsibility for your misunderstanding of it than your own prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. If you really want to understand Saudi Arabia’s position both with regard to normalization with Israel and on the Palestinian issue, then the best place to start is by examining Saudi discourse. As a Saudi researcher of Saudi policy toward Israel, I have confronted the complexities of Israel. The complexities of a people – and its discourses – must always be respected. This courtesy is something Netanyahu has not extended to the Saudi kingdom. Your political leadership has misled you by oversimplifying Saudi Arabia and its people – their logic, their beliefs, and their discourses. Therefore, I want to make use of the opportunity to communicate with you, the Israeli people, directly as a Saudi who genuinely seeks peace. I would like to dispel two key exaggerations that your country’s current political leadership has promoted. The Iranian issue The first has to do with the Iranian issue. Netanyahu has been promoting

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Strategies of Hope – The 7th Annual Conference of The Mitvim Institute

How can we transform the tragedy of the past year into a turning point that sparks a renewed diplomatic initiative in Israel’s relations with the Palestinians and the Arab world? The Mitvim Institute invites you to our annual conference, titled “Strategies of Hope”. Speakers include, opposition Leader MK Yair Lapid, MK Naama Lazimi, German Ambassador Steffen Seibert, U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Stephanie L. Hallett, former Palestinian Foreign Minister Nasser Al-Kidwa, former Jordanian Foreign Minister Jawad Anani, former Egyptian Ambassador and Assistant Foreign Minister Dr. Abderahman Salaheldin, Prof. Elie Podeh, Dr. Ronen Bergman, Dr. Dov Khenin, former Ambassador and MK Colette Avital, former MK Ksenia Svetlova, Hiba Qasas, Aziz Alghashian, Amira Mohamed, and Ibrahim Abu Ahmed. Watch the entire playlist of the conference.

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