It is Time to Talk About “Electric Peace”
The war with Iran has sharpened the urgent need to protect Israel's energy infrastructure.
The Unspoken Consequences of the War in Iran
The Israeli public views the strikes against the Ayatollah regime through a tactical lens: who was assassinated, which military capabilities were disabled, and when the Iranian missile stockpile
The True Winner of the War in Iran Will Be China
The campaign in the Persian Gulf underscores the urgent need to transition away from oil and gas.
When Energy Becomes a Target: The Hidden Risks of the War with Iran
Israelis are closely following the military campaign against Iran: which commanders were eliminated, how much damage was inflicted, and how long Iran can sustain its missile fire. But there is
The Role of Israeli and Palestinian Civil Society in the Reconstruction of Gaza
This document focuses on the roles of Israeli and Palestinian civil society (in Gaza and the West Bank) at the present moment, in promoting the necessary transition from war to reconstruction
Financing Sustainable Reconstruction of Gaza
This paper argues that the reconstruction of Gaza will depend not only on the amount of funding mobilized, but on how financing is structured, governed, and anchored within a broader political context.
Reconstruction as a Lever for Political Change: How reconstruction tools can strengthen Palestinian governance in Gaza and serve as a positive model for the West Bank
This document analyzes the expected scenarios in the Gaza Strip and the anticipated challenges for the technocratic committee’s activity and proposes principles for action and concrete and
Gaza Reconstruction: Risks, Opportunities, and Israel’s Role
As part of the Trump administration’s “20-Point Plan,” the international community is preparing for a large-scale reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. For Israel, this process presents a
Community Involvement as the Foundation of Post-Conflict Gaza Reconstruction
This paper argues that the reconstruction of Gaza cannot succeed without Palestinian agency, rights, and meaningful participation. Drawing on comparative experience and field based insights, it
How to Sustain the US-Israel Security Relationship at a Moment of Strain
I have dedicated my professional life to strengthening the US-Israel relationship and am very aware of how critical it is to the national security of my country.
Israel – hegemon or partner? The Middle East is divided
Israel’s military successes so far are already generating waves across the Middle East regarding its place on the “day after.”
The Banality of Spying
These cases are not isolated incidents, but rather part of a broader trend reflecting a growing pattern of Israeli involvement in espionage activities on behalf of Iran.
Normalization Through Strength? A Dual Israeli–Saudi Examination of Power, Perception, and the Limits of Military-Centric
This paper examines the concept of “normalization through strength” through a dual Israeli-Saudi lens.
Transforming Towards Regional Sustainability: A Framework Based on Sustainability Transitions and Nexus Thinking
The twenty-first century confronts humanity with an unprecedented constellation of interrelated challenges and crises – environmental, economic, social, political, technological – that together
Middle East realignment: Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan are reshaping US-Iran relations
Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan’s mediation between the US and Iran signals a new regional alignment with implications for Israel’s regional influence.
Crude conflict as energy becomes war weapon
The ongoing conflict with Iran has not led to acute energy shortages, thanks to a resilient global market and strategic reserves. The U.S. has become energy independent, while the International
“A Regional Earthquake”: How the Iran War Is Reshaping Israel-Arab Relations
Can military power translate into regional partnerships - or does it deepen mistrust? This question stood at the center of a recent webinar hosted by the Mitvim Institute, titled “A Regional
Hormuz and the Globalization of the War
The war between Israel and the United States against Iran began much like the summer 2025 conflict: a campaign of airstrikes and targeted killings directed at Iran, met by Tehran’s missile
Featured Post To Ron Dermer ahead of your fateful talks with Lebanon
You are uniquely positioned to seize this rare diplomatic opening and spare the next generation the threats I grew up with and wars like the one I fought.
The Iran war is a severe blow to Shi’ite Islam
Strengthening regional stability in the Middle East is based on moderate Sunni-majority states and Israel's national interests.
Israel, Iran and the Laws of Motion
Escalation and Reaction in the Middle East’s New Regional War.
How the Iran war will reshape the Middle East economy
Operation Epic Fury is a stress test for the networks of connectivity that have grown over the last decade.
Is there still a Path for an International Security Force in Gaza
The US twenty-point peace plan that marked the end of Gaza War created an opportunity to break the political stalemate in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and advance major moves. Yet, progress
How to combine the new and old world orders
Last week, the “Board of Peace” established by President Trump convened in Washington. The week before, Prime Minister Netanyahu announced Israel’s joining of the board (even though this decision
Will a regional war guarantee a faster end?
The war with Iran has escalated beyond the U.S-Israel framework, posing a significant threat to the Iranian regime's survival. Iran may adopt a strategy of widening the conflict to pressure the
Mitvim Experts’ Commentary on the second Israel-Iran War
On February 28, against the backdrop of rounds of talks about a renewed nuclear agreement, Israel and the United States launched a surprise war against Iran. The following are responses from
Mitvim Executive Director Dr. Gil Murciano at J Street Conference
Against the backdrop of the war with Iran and the broader regional escalation, Mitvim Executive Director Dr. Gil Murciano participated in a panel on the implications of the conflict at the J
Time to strike a political blow against Hezbollah after Khamenei’s death
Circumstances have created an unprecedented situation in which Israel is capable of conducting a campaign against a sworn enemy while the Lebanese state joins it.
What does victory for Israel, US look like in Iran?
Is the goal to weaken Iran’s regime or overthrow it? The answer could determine when and how the war ends.
Time to strike a political blow against Hezbollah after Khamenei’s death
Circumstances have created an unprecedented situation in which Israel is capable of conducting a campaign against a sworn enemy while the Lebanese state joins it.
Nourishing Tomorrow – The Future of Israeli-Jordanian Relations
The dialogue underscored a central paradox: Israeli–Jordanian relations are simultaneously strained at the political and societal levels and deeply interdependent at the strategic level. The
Mitvim Experts’ Commentary on the second Israel-Iran War
On February 28, against the backdrop of rounds of talks about a renewed nuclear agreement, Israel and the United States launched a surprise war against Iran. The following are responses from
Gulf states in shock as Iranian missile strikes strain trust
As long as the present regime remains in power in Iran, there will be no genuine revival of Gulf-Iran relations. Only a new regime could mend the rifts.
Cross-Border Power Connectivity
This report examines the advancement of electricity interconnections between Israel and both neighboring and more distant countries.
IMEC 2.0: A New Regional Vision After the Gaza War
The India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) was launched as a transport and connectivity initiative linking India, the Gulf, and Europe. That logic remains relevant, but the post-Gaza
IMEC 2.0: A New Regional Vision After the Gaza War
The India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) was launched as a transport and connectivity initiative linking India, the Gulf, and Europe. That logic remains relevant, but the post-Gaza
The Mitvim Institute Annual Conference Summary
At the 8th Annual Mitvim Conference, held in partnership with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), over 300 participants from Israel and abroad joined senior diplomatic, political, and civil
From the Global Friction and Intra-‘West’ Fracture, Through the Multi-front (Gaza) War to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
This paper analyzes how the October 7 attack and the ensuing multi-front and Gaza war reshaped the region within the broader context of global power competition, inducing intra-Western fractures.
Mitvim’s Nadav Tamir Briefs UN Security Council
At the invitation of the United Kingdom, currently serving as President of the UN Security Council, Mitvim board member Nadav Tamir delivered a special briefing to Council members alongside Hiba
Saving the Palestinian Economy Will Disempower Hamas and Offer Security to Israel
An economic road map for the Palestinian Authority’s transition from dangerous collapse to stability within regional arrangements
Israel-Kurd Relations in the Middle East Post-October 7
This policy paper examines the relationship between Israel and the Kurdish nation against the backdrop of the dramatic changes in the Middle East since the events of October 7, 2023.
Trends in Israeli Foreign Policy, July-December 2025
This report sums up the key developments in Israel's regional foreign policy and foreign relations from July-December 2025.
Trump’s Peace Council is still far from bringing peace in Gaza
It is unclear why it was necessary to construct such a complex structure to address Gaza’s well-known fundamental problems.
How Saudi Arabia Could Help Solve the Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Saudi Arabia holds unique leverage over the conflict's future, but Riyadh needs to choose to engage on all fronts. This is what pro-peace Israelis and Palestinians need it to do.
Saudi Arabia and the Palestinian State: A need and a role to play
This document is part of a series of policy papers within a joint project of the Mitvim Institute and the Berl Katznelson Foundation, aimed at thinking about the day after the war.
Security and Diplomacy on Diverging Tracks
Farah Bdour on the Endurance of the Jordan–Israel Peace and the Future of the Region
Egypt: An Indispensable Partner for the Post-War Stabilization of the Gaza Strip
The October 13, 2025 peace summit led by President Donald Trump in Sharm el-Sheikh, as well as other initiatives proposed since October 7, 2023, illustrate Egypt’s vital role in efforts to end
The Ideological Currents in the United States and Their Impact on Israel
In the past decade, political discourse in the United States has become polarized, loud, and, at times, violent. Concepts that were once clear have become fluid and shifting according to the
Diplomacy, Not War: How the Israeli-Lebanese-Syrian Triangle Could Transform the Middle East
These are critical days in the north. The severe blow to Hezbollah and the collapse of the Assad regime have created a diplomatic window for stabilization. This time, the opportunity is not only
Drawing lines for gas: Lebanon and Cyprus sort their waters out
The two countries at last have a maritime border, letting energy firms search for new gas fields in the Eastern Mediterranean, but the agreement has geopolitical repercussions too.
From Military Discourse to Security Through State Craft
On October 7th, Israeli society was significantly altered in light of the unprecedented trauma. As a direct result, the Israeli political system, which has never excelled in developed civil
Israel–Palestine and Europe’s neighbourhood: power, principles and responsibility
At this year’s State of Europe event, I had the privilege of initiating and facilitating a dialogue on the evolving dynamics of the Palestine–Israel–Europe relationship — a conversation that felt
Why the new Group of Eight Arab-Muslim coalition is bad for Israel – opinion
This new configuration is not good news for Israel. Its formation is another unplanned consequence of the war.
“A Light at the End of the Tunnel”: Muhammad Baharoon on Regional Cooperation, Collective Security, and Israel’s Strategic Choice
As part of Mitvim Institute’s 8th annual “Building Hope” conference on regional foreign policy, Dr. Roee Kibrik, Director of Research, held an in-depth conversation with Muhammad Baharoon,
“We Are Witnessing a Vicious Cycle”: Ambassador Abderahman Salahadin on the Urgent Need for a Political Horizon
Over the past two years of regional turmoil and a devastating war, Dr. Roee Kibrik, Director of Research at the Mitvim Institute, held an in-depth conversation with Ambassador Abderahman
EUPOL COPPS: A Strategic Tool for Governance and Security Reform in Post-War Gaza
This paper critically examines the potential adaptation of the European Union Coordinating Office for Palestinian Police Support (EUPOL COPPS) as a strategic tool for stabilizing post-conflict
Saudi Arabia’s win in US highlights Israel’s continued missed opportunities
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's trip to US secured all his primary objectives and left Israel without leverage as a conduit to Washington.
“Those who rebuild will reshape the future”
Dr. Gil Murciano, CEO of the Mitvim Institute, in the opening address at Mitvim’s 8th Annual Conference on Regional Foreign Policy, held at the Yitzhak Rabin Center, November 2025, in partnership
“Israel Has Become a Pariah State in the International Arena”
“We have never, in all the years of the state, despite grave crises, reached a level of diplomatic isolation and negative global perception like we see today.”
Between Military Power and New Diplomatic Opportunities
The closing panel of Mitvim’s 8th Annual Foreign Policy Conference, held in November 2025 at the Rabin Center in Tel Aviv in partnership with the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, focused on Israel’s
“Perpetual war does not have to be Israel’s fate in the region”
Summary of the regional panel moderated by Dr. Roee Kibrik at Mitvim’s 8th Annual Conference on Regional Foreign Policy, held at the Yitzhak Rabin Center, November 2025 | In partnership with
“The problem is not the public — the problem is the lack of leadership”
“The Israeli public understands the failure of ‘conflict management.’ There is a public – but it has no leadership that speaks to it clearly.” With this sharp statement, MK Gilad Kariv
“Building Hope” – Opening Remarks on Behalf of the FES
The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung cooperates closely, and in a spirit of trust and friendship, with the Mitvim Institute across various lines of work – not only within the framework of the annual
Civil Society Is What Will Give Backbone to a Political Agreement That Can Survive
The closing panel of Mitvim’s 8th Annual Regional Foreign Policy Conference - held in November 2025 at the Yitzhak Rabin Center in Tel Aviv, in partnership with Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Israel -
“Strained Friendship Under Criticism”: Ambassador Michael Mann on EU–Israel Relations After the Gaza War
At Mitvim’s 8th Annual Regional Foreign Policy Conference at the Yitzhak Rabin Center in Tel Aviv, Dr. Maya Sion-Tzidkiyahu sat down with Ambassador Michael Mann for a candid conversation on the
Turkey Stands on the Line Between Regional Interests and a Democratic Abyss
Dr. Nimrod Goren, President of the Mitvim Institute, hosted an open and candid conversation with Irit Lillian, Israel’s Ambassador to Turkey – the most senior Israeli diplomat dealing with the
“Reconstruction Cannot Begin Before We Undergo Fundamental Internal Repair”
“There will be no political horizon unless we first overcome our internal fractures. Everything is connected,” said Prof. Manuel Trajtenberg in a panel on reconstruction, held at Mitvim’s 8th
Building the ISF for Gaza: Key Components for Effective Implementation
The Twenty Point Peace plan seems to promise a brighter future for Gazans and Israelis alike. It envisions a massive reconstruction effort coupled with a process of disarmament, demobilization,
The Mitvim Institute Annual Conference Summary
At the 8th Annual Mitvim Conference, held in partnership with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), over 300 participants from Israel and abroad joined senior diplomatic, political, and civil
The Liberal Camp Should Embrace The Arab Parties
Israel’s liberal, centrist politicians have been playing politics by Netanyahu’s rules – and losing because of it.
Lessons for the Sustainable Rehabilitation of Gaza
The cumulative consequences of the Gaza war present the Middle East with a decisive choice – between the continued cycles of violence and destruction and the beginning of a long process of
The 8th Annual Conference of the Mitvim Institute – Building Hope
We are honored to invite you to the 8th Annual Conference of the Mitvim Institute, in collaboration with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, to be held on November 13th, from 16:00 to 20:00, at the
Trump’s plan: Euphoria alongside challenges – opinion
The problem with Donald Trump’s plan is that it actually consists of several plans without a detailed timetable.
The Ripple Effects of the Oct. 7 Attack on Israel
Before the attacks on Oct. 7, Netanyahu had weakened Israel’s foreign ministry and centralized power in his own office, hollowing out the country’s diplomatic apparatus. When the war began,
Why Recognition of Palestine is a Reward to Israel
Contrary to the lies of the coalition and the cowardice of some in the opposition, like Gantz, who portray recognition of a Palestinian state as a “reward for Hamas,” the truth is precisely the
WEBINAR: The latest findings from Mitvim’s annual public opinion poll
The Israeli Foreign Policy Index of 2025 The 13th annual public opinion survey of the Mitvim Institute on Israel’s foreign policy was conducted in late August 2025. The survey was carried out by
The Israeli Foreign Policy Index of 2025
The 13th annual public opinion survey of the Mitvim Institute on Israel’s foreign policy was conducted in late August 2025. The survey was carried out by the Rafi Smith Institute, in
Israel Risks Ties With Egypt at Its Peril
Netanyahu’s policies since Oct. 7 have strained relations with Cairo at the expense of Israeli security.
What have the Abraham Accords achieved, five years on? – opinion
Israeli decision-makers tend to treat the Abraham Accords as a given. These relationships require ongoing “irrigation and fertilization,” lest they wither away.
Why a Syria-Israel security agreement is so important
Al-Sharaa confirmed the possibility of clinching a deal during a meeting with Arab journalists earlier this month, accompanied by a US push for Israel to cooperate in this regard.
Berlin must act
Germany’s reserve towards Netanyahu not only jeopardises the two-state solution, but also Israel’s democratic future.
Never again
Like every Israeli child, I grew up with the memory of the Holocaust. My grandmother came to Palestine from Germany as a young Zionist before World War II. Her family, who stayed behind, perished.
Saving the Two-State Solution: Euro-Arab Coalition Stopping Israeli Annexation
This policy paper proposes the formation of a Euro-Arab coalition to stop the Israeli government accelerated de-facto and possibly de-jure annexation of Area C or parts of it in the West Bank,
Bungled diplomacy, not fate, led to Israel’s isolation – opinion
Israel's military accomplishments should have been leveraged into a political gain.
Peace Through Strength – Israel’s Version: Abandoning Diplomacy for a Military-Only Strategy
The massacre of October 7th and the ensuing military campaigns in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Iran did not merely reshape the Middle Eastern political landscape — they also redefined Israel’s role
Israel and Turkey must clarify their red lines on Syria
Discussions aimed at reaching a mutual understanding are vital to preventing miscalculation from either side.
Recognizing Palestine is an Act of True Zionism
More than a century after Britain first endorsed a Jewish homeland in Palestine, it now stands on the brink of recognizing a Palestinian one. In 1917, the Balfour Declaration marked the first
On-the-Ground: Emergency Tour in E1 Highlights the Imminent Threats of Settlement Expansion
On July 29th, I joined an emergency press tour organized by Ir Amim, focusing on the planned settlement expansion in E1. The tour came ahead of the plan’s upcoming court hearing on August 6th
Trends in Israeli Foreign Policy, January-June 2025
This document maps the main trends underlying Israel’s regional foreign policy and foreign relations from January to June 2025, a period coinciding with the first six months of Donald Trump’s
China’s strategic shift: Navigating relations with Israel, Iran in a changing Middle East – opinion
If Israel plays its diplomatic cards wisely, it could redefine its bilateral relationship with China in the wake of the Iran war.
Trends in Israeli Foreign Policy, January-June 2025
This document maps the main trends underlying Israel's regional foreign policy and foreign relations from January to June 2025, a period coinciding with the first six months of Donald Trump’s
Update on the Humanitarian Situation in Gaza
The Israeli Humanitarian Forum for Gaza – which includes Israeli humanitarian and aid organizations such as Mitvim – The Israeli Institute for Regional Foreign Policies – received alarming
Israel in the Middle East and the Mediterranean:
After Prolonged Multi-Front Confrontations, Diplomatic Opportunities Emerge
Israeli-Syrian security arrangement: A new model of normalization? – opinion
A renewed security agreement between Israel and Syria could lead to a new kind of normalization.
Why Syria and Israel should walk, not run, towards peace
This is a once-in-a-blue-moon opportunity to agree a détente between two hostile neighbours, but getting there is tricky. Several issues must (but can) be overcome.
Deterrence to diplomacy: Can Israel’s military might facilitate Middle East peace? – opinion
It overestimates the appeal of military might while ignoring the real motivations that have historically led Arab states to normalize relations with Israel.
Shared vision of alignment: Azerbaijan’s strategically important energy deal with Israel – opinion
SOCAR’s expanding footprint in Israel could eventually open new routes and strategies for future export diversification in the region.
We must distinguish between civilians and combatants
The ceasefire in the war with Iran provides us with an opportunity to draw lessons both for that conflict and beyond it.
Axis of the weak: Iran’s proxy network has been severely damaged – opinion
Iran’s axis of proxies has taken a serious hit and has become an axis of the weak.
“We’re All Part of the Same Region — It’s Time to Act Accordingly”: Dr. Aziz Alghashian Warns of Further Escalation
In a special conversation with the Mitvim Institute, Saudi scholar Dr. Aziz Alghashian – a senior research fellow at Mitvim – shares a Gulf perspective on the Israel-Iran conflict, calling for
