What could a Saudi perspective on the Israel-Hamas war look like?
Saudi Arabia and Israel have many shared interests, chief among them the struggle against radical Islam propagated by groups such as ISIS and the Muslim Brotherhood
Can Biden transform a human tragedy into a diplomatic opportunity?
President Joe Biden has declared many times that he is a Zionist, and his full-throated support for Israel following the brutal terrorist attack by Hamas has touched every soul in that country.
The Diplomatic Off-Ramp After Israel’s Invasion of Gaza
As we enter into the fourth week of the Israel-Hamas war, a clear endgame for the war Israel launched in retaliation for the massacre of October 7 remains elusive. The absence of well-defined
Zoom Briefing: A Regional-Political Perspective on the Gaza Campaign
The Gaza campaign is not a local conflict. Although the fighting is confined to a specific geographic area, it risks spreading and turning into a regional campaign that involves the United States
Israel’s most important export is its democratic struggle
Francis Fukuyama was patently wrong in declaring the “end of history” over 30 years ago, believing that the fall of the Communist bloc would give rise to a utopian global liberal democracy. Never
The 2023 Israeli Foreign Policy Index: Netanyahu and the Israeli public at odds on foreign policy
On the 27th of September the Mitvim institute hosted a virtual briefing with regards to the position of the Israeli public on major foreign policy issues, as those were reflected through Mitvim’s
The Israeli Foreign Policy Index of 2023
The Mitvim Institute’s Eleventh Annual Public Opinion Survey on Israeli Foreign Policy was conducted in late July 2023. The survey was conducted by the Rafi Smith Institute in collaboration with
The Israeli Foreign Policy Index of 2023
The Mitvim Institute’s Eleventh Annual Public Opinion Survey on Israeli Foreign Policy was conducted in late July 2023. The survey was conducted by the Rafi Smith Institute in collaboration with
Diplomats should represent the country, not the government
The Israeli government has instructed its foreign service diplomats to whitewash the judicial overhaul. This is a mistake.
Mitvim – SWP Expert Dialouge 2023
The annual dialogue of the Mitvim Institute and the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) dealt this year with global geopolitical changes and their impact on the Middle
Trends in Israel’s Regional Foreign Policies
Issue No.11, January-June 2023 Editors: Dr. Roee Kibrik and Dr. Orni Livny This document presents key trends in Israel’s regional foreign policy from January to July 2023, corresponding to
5 ways the US, Europe can push for Israel-Arab environmental cooperation
President Isaac Herzog has called for regional environmental cooperation during visits to neighboring countries and introduced a visionary concept of a “renewable Middle East.”
The East Mediterranean great gas game isn’t over
In order to increase its energy security, Israel must therefore continue to seek ways of diversifying its export options and regional partners.
Advancing Israel-Turkey relations, new regional cooperation
Turkey and Israel should aim – as part of their strategic dialogue – to identify concrete contributions that Turkey can make to improve the situation.
Israel-Egypt security cooperation rattled but steady after border attack
While Israel mourns its three soldiers killed by an Egyptian policeman, both countries need for the security cooperation between them to continue.
Amid Crisis, Peacebuilding Advances with Smart Donor Strategies
While the Israeli-Palestinian conflict seems only to deepen with each day, another trend is at play this year: unprecedented resources continue to grow to stem the polarization starting from the
The slowing down of Israel-Arab relations under the Netanyahu government
During the Netanyahu government’s first five months, Israel-Arab ties have slowed down and tensions with the Palestinians have increased.
What lessons can Israel learn from Turkey’s elections?
Concern in Israel’s pro-democracy camp that democratic erosion processes in Turkey are similarly emerging in Israel under Netanyahu’s enduring rule.
The Prospects for a Regional Climate Forum in the Middle East
This paper examines the prospects for establishing a regional multilateral forum to help address climate change in the Middle East. The document defines the constructs of forums, analyzes the
How to reverse the trend of the US distancing
Various global developments are weakening American influence in the Middle East, and China is filling the vacuum. This is bad news for Israel. To help the Americans help us, the government must
As Middle East alliances are reshaping, Israel is lagging behind
Saudi Arabia, Iran, UAE, Syria, Russia, and China are creating a new strategic reality while Israel is too focused on short-sighted tactical operations and fraying ties with Washington
Even with all eyes on Gaza, the struggle for Israel’s democracy continues
The costs that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the State of Israel have been paying following the government’s first months in office have become more and more significant in recent
Political-Climate Sustainability: The Core of Foreign Policy in the Twenty-First Century
This policy paper introduces the concept of “sustainability-oriented policy”, which translates the principles of sustainability into the field of domestic and foreign policymaking. The term
EU cannot receive racist minister Ben Gvir on Europe Day in Israel
Many Europeans would look at Israel and say that democracy and occupation cannot go together. They are right. Others would say that Israel is a thriving democracy and appreciate the impressive
5 lessons for Israel from the Czech struggle for democracy
If we learn lessons from the Czech case, it becomes clear that Israeli civil society must emphasize the righteousness of its cause beyond the borders of Tel Aviv.
The Day After Abu Mazen – Simulation Summary
On January 30, 2023, the Mitvim Institute held a simulation exercise to explore various scenarios related to Israel-Palestinian Authority (PA) relations, and the involvement of regional and
Leveraging Friction: Using Israel’s tensions with normalization countries to engage them in Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking
Since the signing of the Abraham Accords, Israeli governments have successfully isolated the normalization process from events in the Israeli-Palestinian arena. This separation has assisted the
Leveraging Friction: Using Israel’s tensions with normalization countries to engage them in Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking
Since the signing of the Abraham Accords, Israeli governments have successfully isolated the normalization process from events in the Israeli-Palestinian arena. This separation has assisted the
The EU’s Cross Border Cooperation Program in the Mediterranean (CBC Med/NEXT MED)
The Cross Border Cooperation (CBC) is one of the European Union’s (EU) financial instruments aiming to help the neighbouring countries develop better connections and relations between them,
Launching the Liberal Partnership: how To Successfully Stand Up Against Democratic Backsliding – Lessons From Czech Civil Society
The Mitvim Institute and the IIR Institute organize a zoom panel that launches our new initiative of Liberal Partnership. The goal of the initiative is to create influencing and learning
Launching the Liberal Partnership: how To Successfully Stand Up Against Democratic Backsliding – Lessons From Czech Civil Society
The Mitvim Institute and the IIR Institute organize a zoom panel that launches our new initiative of Liberal Partnership. The goal of the initiative is to create influencing and learning
Virtual Briefing: Ramadan, the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, and the Netanyahu-Smotrich Government: Heading Towards an Inevitable Escalation?
On March 29 Mitvim hosted a public Zoom event regarding the political implications on Israel’s foreign affairs and the region’s stability following the latest escalation of the
On the Verge of an Abyss?
Israel is located these days, since the establishment of Netanyahu’s new right-wing government, at a critical juncture, facing dramatic developments on various fronts. While the domestic arena is
Virtual Briefing: Ramadan, the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, and the Netanyahu-Smotrich Government: Heading Towards an Inevitable Escalation?
On March 29 Mitvim hosted a public Zoom event regarding the political implications on Israel’s foreign affairs and the region’s stability following the latest escalation of the
Israel needs a strategic alliance with the US
Last week’s Knesset vote repealing parts of the 2005 Gaza Disengagement Law reflects the ruling coalition’s intoxication with power and jeopardizes the stability of the strategic alliance between
What are Middle East reactions to the judicial reform?
‘Israel is devouring itself from within” was the headline of an article by Saudi pundit and businessman Hussein Shobokshi in the influential Arab newspaper Asharq al-Awsat. Shobokshi argues that
Netanyahu Has Made Israel a U.S. Adversary
As concern in Washington is growing over Israel’s anti-democratic turn, new questions are arising about the underlying strength of the U.S.-Israel relationship. Such a reflection is welcome,
Israeli-Palestinian relations are deeply affected
The project of the present Israeli governing coalition to overhaul the organization and powers of the High Court will have deep implications on Israeli-Arab relations if it succeeds. Given the
The German “Zeitenwende” still goes unnoticed in Israel
A year ago, in February 2022, Chancellor Scholz delivered a policy statement in the Bundestag, as a response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He spoke about a watershed moment, which requires
Is Israel democratic? The new talking point for Netanyahu abroad
Those who have closely monitored Israel-France relations over the years often conclude that understanding them requires psychological rather than political science expertise. The relationship is
Israel’s government needs to heed US warnings
The recent visit of United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Israel will be remembered mostly for exposing US criticism of Israeli government policy, moving it from behind closed doors
From a space of conflict to a space of peace: The role of urban planners in advancing the peace process
This review paper is based on the concept of creating space to understand the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In fact, the paper argues, the conflict produces and is produced by a process
The US and Jordan can work closer together on the Israeli-Palestinian issue
King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein’s White House visit on Feb. 2 reflected that Jordan is a like-minded partner for the United States when it comes to preventing an escalation of the
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,
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,
Area C: From a Hub of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict 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 of the Occupied Palestinian
Israel’s new government raises the likelihood of escalation on multiple fronts
The new Israeli government is unprecedented in terms of its extremist composition and declared policy intentions. The coming to power of such a government raises the likelihood of escalation on
Israelis’ evolving pushback to democratic erosion under Netanyahu
The fight for democracy is a global one, taking place, among other corners of the world, in the United States, Europe, South America, as well as the Middle East and North Africa. When it comes to
EU Delegation to the PA propose joint development of Area C
A classified document that sets out a plan by the European Union Delegation to the Palestinian Authority proposing joint development of Area C was recently leaked. According to Channel 13
Is a formal Israeli-Saudi agreement achievable?
In recent days we have come across reports in the media, about talks promoting a possible Israeli-Saudi agreement, which took place between Israel and Saudi Arabia, even before the establishment
The Impact of the Occupation on Israel’s Foreign Relations
The UN General Assembly’s decision to seek the opinion of the International Court of Justice in The Hague on whether the Israeli occupation is permanent or temporary should not surprise
What the UN vote tells us about international sentiments and Israeli diplomacy
The recent, Dec. 30, vote at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) regarding Israel — approving a request for the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to offer a legal opinion on Israeli
Area C: From a Hub of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict 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 of the Occupied Palestinian
The Tower of David Museum: Venue for Co-Existence
The article inquires how a cultural institute in a contested city can become an allied sphere, a source for joint creation, and even a venue for peacebuilding.
Mitvim’s 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
Does the Road to Peace Pass Through Prisons? The role of former and current inmates in advancing Israeli-Palestinian peace
The article points to measures that can be promoted in order to realize the potentially positive role of inmates in advancing peace.
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,
Partnership Priorities with the EU – What (If Anything) Is Israel Missing?
This paper describes what EU Partnership Priorities (PP) are, why Israel hasn’t signed a PP agreement so far, and asks what Israel is missing out on by lacking an established set of PP with the EU.
Europol-Israel Police Operational Agreement: Enhanced cooperation with EU in combatting crime and terrorism
The Israeli Police and Europol, the European Union’s police agency, have been conducting negotiations over an operational agreement for several years. In September there was signing of end of
The Israeli Foreign Policy Index of 2022
The Mitvim Institute’s Tenth Annual Public Opinion Survey on Israeli Foreign Policy was conducted in late August 2022, exploring four areas: the Israeli foreign policy apparatus, Israel’s foreign
Women’s Peace Groups in Formal Peace Processes: Benefits of Participation, Price of Exclusion
This paper explores how women's peace organizations contribute to peacemaking efforts in Israel-Palestine. It is part of a joint project by Mitvim and the Davis Institute.
MEPPA’s Progress and Promise, One Year In
This paper assesses the current state and potential of the Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act (“MEPPA”), passed by Congress just after the 2020 presidential election, for
The Significance of Convening the European Union – Israel Association Council
On July 18, 2022, the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union (EU) decided to move ahead with convening the EU-Israel Association Council (AC) after a decade-long hiatus. This paper
Semi-Annual Trends in Israel’s Regional Foreign Policy January – June 2022
This document covers the main trends in Israel's regional foreign policies from January to June of 2022, the second half of the Bennett-Lapid government’s first year in office.
Democratic Backsliding and Securitization: Challenges for Israel, the EU, and Israel-Europe Relations
This report analyses the illiberal trends and democratic backsliding that can be seen in both Europe and Israel, and is a product of a two year project between Mitvim, PAX for Peace Netherlands,
Leaving Illiberalism Behind: An Opportunity to Establish a New Liberal Foundation in EU-Israel Relations?
This policy paper analyzes the global surge of illiberal trends that has affected Israel and several EU member states. It considers the opportunity to strengthen EU-Israel relations on the basis
Democracy and Foreign Affairs in Israel
The following paper explores the relationship between Israel’s democracy and its foreign policy. It analyzes the state of Israel’s democracy and foreign relations, the role of Israel’s internal
Implications of Israel and Turkey’s diplomatic thaw on Israel’s Mediterranean Policy
This document focuses on the challenges and opportunities for Israel's policy in the Mediterranean Basin as a result of its warming relations with Turkey.
Environmental Organizations as Potential Players in the Peace Process
This article discusses the capacity of non-governmental organizations to use environmental issues as a platform for promoting peace in the region, especially between Israelis and Palestinians.
Energy as a Tool for Israeli-Palestinian Peacebuilding
Energy relations between Israel and the Palestinians reflects the existing relationship between the parties, but at the same time hold high potential for promoting cooperation and peace.
Is there room for coexistence between energy and safe environment?
The discovery of natural gas in the Mediterranean and the political developments in the region over the past decade have greatly contributed to Israel’s energy and strategic situation. This
Future Pathways for Israel’s Foreign Policy: The Mitvim Institute’s Annual Conference
Monday, October 25th, 2021, 4:30 PM Israel Time, 3:30 PM CET, 9:30 AM EDT, Via Zoom The Mitvim Institute’s 5th Annual Conference, In Cooperation with the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Among
Major Potential in the Israel-Cyprus Friendship From the “Israel and the Mediterranean” Working Group
The 9th meeting of the “Israel in the Mediterranean” Working Group was held on March 17, 2021 at the initiative of the Mitvim Institute, Hebrew University’s Davis Institute for International
The Mitvim Institute 2020 Annual Report
This report highlights the Mitvim Institute’s activities in 2020. These activities were centered on our three program areas: improving Israel’s foreign policy; promoting Israel’s regional
With Mladenov’s Departure, Who Will Prevent the Next War in Gaza?
The next time Israel and Hamas come to blows and need someone to hold them in check, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov will no longer be there to help
Civilian cooperation between Israel and Arab states: How does it work?
A research by Dr. Roee Kibrik and Einat Levi
Israel’s Regional Foreign Policies: An Annual Assessment, November 2020
The Mitvim Institute presented its annual assessment of Israel’s regional foreign policies at its fourth annual conference on October 28, 2020. The conference was held in cooperation with the
The Israeli Foreign Policy Index for 2020
The 2020 Israeli Foreign Policy Index
Netanyahu’s ‘Brilliant’ Mideast Peace Strategy Has a Big Problem
Op-ed, Prof, Elie Podeh, September 2020
The Foreign Ministry deserves support from the Knesset
Op-ed by Dr. Ehud Eiran
How the UAE and Saudi Arabia Now Hold Israel Hostage
Prof. Elie Podeh, Op-ed, August 2020
UAE, Israel Deal Could be Just the Beginning
Ksenia Svetlova, Op-ed, August 2020
The way Israel dealt with BDS played into the hands of its enemies
Nadav Tamir, Op-ed, August 2020
To recognize or not to recognize: EU recognition of Palestine
Op-ed by Dr. Lior Lehrs
Senior Jordanian Officials: Annexation Endangers Israel-Jordan Relations
Insights from the Mitvim Institute’s Israel-Jordan Policy Dialogue
Ashkenazi revitalized the IDF, now he can do the same to Foreign Ministry
Op-ed by Dr. Ehud Eiran
Israel-Jordan 2nd Policy Dialouge
Policy dialogue , July 2020
Trends in Israel’s Regional Foreign Policies, January – June 2020
Issue 5
The EU and Israel Should Resume Their Suspended High-Level Dialogue
July 2020
Israel Should Deepen its Engagement with the UN
July 2020
It Is Time for the Arab League to Act Against Annexation
July 2020
Israel and the Mediterranean Basin Amid the Coronavirus Crisis
Policy paper based on a meeting of the “Israel in the Mediterranean” working group, June 2020
Israel Entangled in Arab Rivalries: The Case of the UAE Medical Aid for the Palestinians
June 2020
What Is the UAE Trying to Tell Israelis?
Op ed by Dr. Moran Zaga, June 2020
Europe’s Initial Reactions to Israel’s Annexation Intentions
US President Donald Trump’s plan for resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, presented in January 2020, was perceived in Jerusalem as a green light to annexation of some 30 percent
2019-2020
US Policies towards Israel and the Middle East is a monthly publication of the Mitvim Institute, currently written by Amb. (Ret.) Barukh Binah. The publication covers issues related to US-Israel
Foreign Service Closing-Out Sale: Gilad Erdan’s Dual Appointment to UN and Washington
The tumult over the installation of Israel’s 35th government and the division of 36 ministerial and 16 deputy ministerial portfolios drowned out news of Gilad Erdan’s dual diplomatic appointment.
COVID-19 Put the Eastern Mediterranean’s Hydrocarbon Dreams on Hold
On Tuesday, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will do something pretty unusual in the age of COVID-19 — travel overseas. Mitsotakis will meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in
Avoiding a small annexation will not prevent the larger occupation
Israel’s mythic foreign minister, Abba Eban, once quipped that “history teaches us that men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all other alternatives.” His insight presumed that
War and Peace in the Age of Coronavirus
Against the backdrop of the Coronavirus crisis, Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin spoke with the Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, saying the crisis “does not distinguish between
