Semi-Annual Trends in Israel’s Regional Foreign Policy July– December 2022

Issue No. 10, July – December 2022 Editors: Dr. Roee Kibrik and Dr. Orni Livny This document reviews key trends in Israel’s regional foreign policy for the July-December 2022 period, which began under Lapid as prime minister and ended with the formation of a far-right government headed by Netanyahu. During Lapid’s tenure, the government continued its conflict management strategy in the Palestinian arena, coordinated its moves vis-à-vis the Gaza Strip with Qatar and Egypt, which achieved relative calm; strengthened and developed relations with the new normalization states and continued attempts to draw Saudi Arabia into the circle; enhanced relations with its veteran peace partners Egypt and Jordan; kept up its campaign against the Iranian nuclear program; warmed relations with Turkey while ensuring the resilience of ties with Greece and Cyprus, and restored relations with the European Union and the US administration. Despite a more favorable attitude towards Ukraine, Lapid’s government continued to refrain from expressing unequivocal support for it, and was careful not to upset Russia. Energy resources in the Mediterranean contributed to a historic agreement with Lebanon and growing regional cooperation, with the climate crisis remaining a secondary issue in policy considerations. The choice of a far-right government has generated concerns among Israel’s partners and neighbors. Jordan expressed grave concern, tensions with Europe reawakened, the US administration was called upon to draw red lines for the new government, the Palestinian Authority expressed its concern over impending annexation moves, and the UN asked the International Court of Justice in The

Read More →

Area C: From Disputed Territory to a Space for Creeping peace

This paper was written as part of an initiative funded by the UK government, but its views do not necessarily represent the views of the UK government. Area C is “disputed territory” claimed by Israelis and Palestinians and left under temporary Israeli responsibility by the Interim Agreement (1995). For almost three decades, Israel has been reducing the Palestinian living space in the area and deepening its hold, managing all planning and building processes, expanding settlement areas and so-called “state lands” and demarcating “military zones” and “nature reserves” for itself. The collapse of the peace process also encouraged the Palestinian Authority (since 2009) to act unilaterally on the ground. While Israel has assumed a “piecemeal” approach and sees Area C as a vital space for settlement and security, the Palestinians have taken a “holistic” approach, viewing the area as a necessary space for a contiguous and sustainable state. The campaign currently being waged on the ground perpetuates friction and a bloody struggle over land and infrastructure, distances the chance of a stable Israeli-Palestinian agreement, prevents development and construction for Palestinians, poses a tangible danger to nature and the environment, and deepens humanitarian and legal challenges of population expulsion and relocation. Turning this critical disputed area into a foundation for Israeli-Palestinian progress requires two types of policies – a reactive policy in the short term to prevent further deterioration, and a long-term policy of practical cooperation. In light of the new radical right-wing government’s policy advocating the de facto annexation of Area

Read More →

Mitvim’s 6th Annual Conference: Israel’s Foreign Policy Between Change and Continuity

Mitvim’s Annual Conference: Israel’s Foreign Policy Between Change and Continuity convened at Rabin Center in Tel Aviv on Monday, November 21st. Among the speakers: Tamar Zandberg, Minister of Environmental Protection, Alon Ushpiz, Director General of Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Amb. Tor Wennesland, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle Ease Peace Process, Mitvim’s researchers, former diplomats, journalists and more. Watch the full conference here. Watch the English parts here.

Read More →

President Biden’s Visit To Israel: Insights and Implications

On July 6, 2022, Mitvim hosted a webinar to discuss U.S. President Joe Biden’s upcoming visit to Israel, the West Bank and Saudi Arabia. The panelists discussed a wide range of issues that President Biden will confront on his visit, as well as the political ramifications of his stay.

Read More →