Dr. Gil Murciano at a conference
What is the role of civic foreign policy thinking in shaping regional security?
Stopping annexation and advancing normalization in Trump-world: A framework for European policy makers
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.
Tomorrow’s Global Superhighway
Why the US should appoint a special envoy for the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor? Ambitious India-Middle East-Europe corridor gains momentum amidst geopolitical shifts and renewed diplomatic
The EU-Israel Association Council: Harsh Criticism of Israel Alongside Desire to Advance Relations
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who last year wanted to suspend the Association Agreement, stated that the meeting did not take place under a “business as usual” atmosphere. And yet,
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
Europe’s Response to the War in Gaza: Capabilities and Actorness
The European Union’s response to the war in Gaza has been widely criticized as irrelevant and incoherent, casting doubt on its ability to become a credible player in the region. While the EU is
The EU’s Possible Role in the ‘Day After’ the Gaza War according to a Reverse Engineering Roadmap
The paper outlines the existing and potential role of the EU in helping to shape a sustainable resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the aftermath of the Gaza war under new Israeli
The European Parliament Elections and Their Influence on Israel- International Briefing
The Mitvim Institute, the Israeli Association for the Study of European Integration (IASE), and the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung invite you to a Zoom webinar to delve into the European Parliament
Netanyahu’s way of governance leads to unilateral recognition of Palestinian state
Israel must repudiate Netanyahu’s lack of statesmanship, which is leading Western countries to recognize a Palestinian state that could become a real Hamastan. The flood of Western
EU on Palestine: Is There a Credible Peace Plan?
The UN General Assembly passed on Friday with overwhelming majority a resolution which upgrades Palestine’s rights at the world body as an observer state, without offering it full membership. In
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.
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
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
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
Israel-NATO Relations: Developing a New Strategic Concept
Israel’s relations with the North Atlantic Alliance (NATO) were never a focal point of its foreign and security policy. In fact, they have weakened since their peak in the 1990s. However,
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
EU-Israel Relations During the Czech Presidency of the EU
Our aim in this event was to catch the zeitgeist of current EU – Israel relations, as the relations have changed from quite negative to more positive spirit, even though the basic disagreements
Europe’s efforts to quit Russian gas
European countries’ efforts to wean themselves off energy dependence on Russia continue. The European Energy Council held a meeting on June 26, during which Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson
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
The EU and Israel should resume their suspended high-level dialogue
Some 100 European Parliament (EP) members and nine Knesset members (from the coalition and the opposition) sent a letter to European Union Foreign Affairs Minister Josep Borrell on June 23 urging
Democratic values: The heart of Europe- Israel relations – opinion
The strongest bond that Europe and Israel share “is our belief in democracy and in democratic values,” said president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in her speech at Ben-Gurion
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
Is there room for Israel in the EU’s newly proposed political alliance?
Prompted by the conflict in Ukraine, the EU is redefining its relations with the second tier of its friends and allies and examining which of them shares its democratic-liberal values. At a
Exporting Israel’s gas to Europe: An initial but momentous step- opinion
Since the discovery of off shore natural gas last decade, Israeli officials have ambitiously pursued an export agreement that would deliver natural gas to Europe. And last week, Israel took its
For the first time – a roundtable with Ukrainian research centers
In one virtual space, for the first time, Israeli and Ukrainian researchers set and discussed bilateral relationship between the two countries during the war in Ukraine and Middle Eastern issues
For the first time – a roundtable with Ukrainian research centers
In one virtual space, for the first time, Israeli and Ukrainian researchers set and discussed bilateral relationship between the two countries during the war in Ukraine and Middle Eastern issues
What Future for European Security?
Mitvim Institute, the French Embassy, the EU embassy, IASEI and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung held a conference about: The potential for European Strategic Sovereignty and the EU’s new ‘Strategic
What Future for European Security?
Mitvim Institute, the French Embassy, the EU embassy, IASEI and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung held a conference about: The potential for European Strategic Sovereignty and the EU’s new ‘Strategic
Israel’s balancing act still not enough for Russia
Since the beginning of Russia’s war on Ukraine, Israel has been struggling with a balancing act: tiptoeing between pleasing its Western allies and keeping in check its powerful Russian-influenced
Russia’s Chilling Manifesto for Genocide in Ukraine
“The peculiarity of modern, nazified Ukraine is in its formlessness and ambivalence, which disguises Nazism as a desire for ‘independence’ and a ‘European’ (Western,
Dancing In Two Weddings: Israel Balances Russia and Ukraine
Every Saturday night for the last four weeks, thousands of Israelis have been gathering at Habima Square in Tel Aviv to offer their support to Ukraine. Waving signs and blue-and-yellow flags,
Israel’s delicate navigation in the Russia-Ukraine war – opinion
When considering Israel’s diplomatic maneuvering options in the face of Russia’s war on Ukraine, it is important to first take stock of the fundamental, relevant facts. The first of these is that
Can Israel Cope With the Immigrant Wave From Russia’s War on Ukraine, Jews and non-Jews Alike?
Three decades after the fall of the Soviet empire, and in the wake of Russia’s invasion, Israel is once again facing a significant spike in Jewish immigration from Ukraine, Belarus and Russia. It
The Real Danger of Putin’s ‘Nazi’ Slur for Ukraine, Israel and the World
“When we are told that Ukrainian nationalism and neo-Nazism are a myth, ‘propaganda invented by Russia,’ they are obviously counting on someone who is not familiar with the history of the
Is Bennett gambling Israel’s international standing away?
Two Middle Eastern leaders are now busy working to mediate a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine: Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Both countries have
Russia-Ukraine war may be a defining moment, Israel must make a choice – opinion
History is replete with defining moments, most of which are only recognized after the fact. Putin’s invasion of Ukraine could very well turn out to be a defining moment in the struggle for world
Russia-Ukraine war is Europe’s hour to act
“This is the hour of Europe,” Luxembourg’s foreign minister declared in June 1992, when civil war broke out in the disintegrating Yugoslav Republic. His statement proved hollow. When European
Russia’s Next Target for Intimidation Could Be Israel
As Russia pounds Ukrainian cities and flaunts its nuclear weapons, there is little doubt that the implications of the war between Russia and the West will be felt globally—and the relations
Chechens Are Fighting on Both Sides of Russian-Ukrainian Conflict
mages of Chechen fighters preparing to join the battle in Ukraine on behalf of Russian troops spread widely on social media networks in the early days of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. Ramzan
Israel Weighs Its Neutrality on Russia-Ukraine Conflict
While Western countries mull sanctions against Russia after it formally recognized the independence of two self-proclaimed republics in eastern Ukraine, Israel is busy reshaping its attitude
By threat or raw power, Russia is determined to get its way in a post-Soviet world
On March 24, 1999, then-Russian prime minister Yevgeny Primakov was en route to the US for a visit. While flying over the Atlantic, he was informed that NATO forces had begun bombing Yugoslavia
The war in Ukraine that hasn’t happened and how the media failed
Ukrainian parents received a text message from the Education Ministry on Tuesday that called on them to send their children to school the following day in national outfits to celebrate the Unity
Jerusalem Tries to Navigate Russia-US-Israel Triangle Over Ukraine Conflict
The war clouds over Ukraine grow ever darker as Russian forces amass on the borders, on three sides, and Western media speculate on when exactly “D-Day” will come. Western diplomats are leaving
Judgments by the Court of Justice of the EU on the EU’s Trade with Israel’s Disputed Territories
The EU is one of the largest trading partners of the Disputed Territories (DTs) in the world. The Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) reaffirmed the EU’s differentiation policy between Israeli
Renewed Partnership with the Southern Neighbourhood: Implications for Israel
On 10 May 2021, Mitvim – The Israeli Institute for Regional Foreign Policies, The Israeli Association for the Study of European Integration and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung conducted an
Improving access to the EU’s market for services
Regulatory heterogeneity between Israel and its key trading partners restricts the potential for bilateral trade. Approximation of the European Union’s regulatory standards would contribute to
Renewed Partnership with the Southern Neighbourhood: Implications for Israel
On 10 May 2021, Mitvim – The Israeli Institute for Regional Foreign Policies, The Israeli Association for the Study of European Integration and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung conducted an online
Principles and Recommendations for Israel’s Foreign Policy Towards the EU; Recommendations from a Mitvim Institute Task-Team
Relations with the EU are a strategic asset and central element to Israel. Not only is Europe Israel’s largest trading partner, but Europe also provides a pillar of norms and values with which
How Israel-EU relations have been impacted
by Germany’s Council presidency
From July to December 2020, Israel had a window of political opportunity: Germany’s six-month period at the presidency of the Council of the European Union handed Israel an opportunity to improve
How Did Israel-EU Relations Evolve During
Germany’s Presidency of the Council of the EU?
Between July to December 2020 Israel had a political window of opportunity: Germany’s six-month period at the Presidency of the Council of the EU. It handed Israel an opportunity to improve its
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
Israel and the European Union: Enemies, A Love Story
Policy paper by Amb. (ret.) David Walzer
How will the Post-Election Israel-EU-US Triangle Shape Up?
Dr. Maya Sion-Tzidkiyahu on JPOST, towards the US elections
How will the post-election Israel-EU-US triangle shape up?
Dr. Maya Sion-Tzidkiyahu towards the US elections
The Israeli Foreign Policy Index for 2020
The 2020 Israeli Foreign Policy Index
A Window of Opportunity in Israel-EU Relations
Op-ed
EU Diplomacy and the Arab-Israeli Conflict: How Can Europe Effectively Promote Peace?
Conference Summary
Trump and Netanyahu’s Barefaced Gaslighting on the Israel-Kosovo Deal
The announcement that Israel and Kosovo have agreed to establish diplomatic relations is a welcome development for both nations. But as is often the case with Israel’s leadership, this
The Differences between the EU’s Differentiation Policy and the BDS Movement
July 2020
Israel, Annexation, and the EU’s Research and Development Program “Horizon”
The EU is examining how to respond to a possible Israeli annexation in the West Bank. One of the measures reportedly under consideration is to limit Israel’s participation in the EU’s “Horizon”
European Responses to an Israeli Annexation in the West Bank: From Statements to Actions?
Conference Summary, 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
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
Israel, the EU and Annexation Intentions
Israel has been increasingly critical of the EU in recent days, as multiple European leaders are voicing their opposition to a possible Israeli annexation in the West Bank. The Israeli response
The EU in Times of Coronavirus: A View from Israel
The Coronavirus crisis and its impact on Europe has re-ignited the argument over the EU’s future prospects. While the Coronavirus crisis is global, each state has adopted its own coping strategy.
Coronavirus Outbreak: An Important Test for Globalization
The quick-fire coronavirus spread and the response of different countries to it, not only highlight immediate concerns about public health, but also have a significant impact on the evolving
Attacking the EU for Domestic Political Gains is Wrong
No one in Israel was particularly surprised when the EU’s new foreign policy chief Josep Borrell warned that Israeli annexation of territories would not go “unchallenged”. Foreign Minister Israel
Ten trends in Israel’s regional foreign policies July-December 2019
Every six months, the Mitvim Institute maps key trends in Israel’s regional foreign policies, based on the institute’s monthly reports that monitor ongoing developments. From July through
When Israelis and Palestinians Meet at the European Parliament
Less than a month before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Brussels, we – a group of young Israelis and Palestinians – arrived at the European Parliament for a second meeting of the
Presentation of findings to senior Foreign Ministry forum
Briefing on findings of the Foreign Affairs Policy Index, December 2019
Israel-EU relations: An annual assessment
The prevailing, negative attitudes in Israel toward the EU, as reflected in the 2019 Israeli Foreign Policy Index of the Mitvim Institute, differ greatly from the facts on the ground. The
The Limited European Leverage over Israel
Israel and the EU maintain exceedingly close relations with each other. The EU is Israel’s largest trading partner and has extensive cultural and political ties to the country. Despite this,
The Real Danger that Brexit Poses for Israel
When Israelis ask what Brexit means for them, many will think of economy and trade, and about diplomatic relations with Britain and Europe. These are important, but in considering Brexit’s
Attending the 2019 Rome Med Conference
2019 Rome Med Conference, December
Istanbul’s Message of Hope for the Israeli Opposition
Under the leadership of Yair Lapid and Benny Gantz, the Blue and White party has frequently warned voters of the “Erdoğanization” of Israel under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In other
The Israeli Foreign Policy Index for 2019
The 2019 Israeli Foreign Policy Index
Guiding Principles for Israel’s Foreign Policy toward the EU
Ties with the EU are a strategic asset for the State of Israel. Europe is Israel’s largest trading partner, a source of political and defense support (despite disagreements), an anchor of shared
Europe’s Far-Right Is Blocked, for Now; Israel Should Help This Continue
The May 2019 elections to the European Parliament have blocked the storming of the continent’s parliament and of the EU’s institutions by the far-right, for now. However, the conservative and
The European Parliament Elections Results: Possible Significance for Europe and Israel
A policy roundtable on the 2019 European Parliament elections results and their possible significance for Europe and Israel took place on 30 May 2019 at Tel Aviv University. It was organized by
Recalibrating the Course of Israel-EU Relations
The formation of a new Israeli government provides an opportunity to rethink the course of Israel’s policy vis-à-vis the EU. Israel-EU relations need to be handled differently, in a manner that
Divided and Divisive: Europeans, Israel and Israeli-Palestinian Peacemaking
Over the last 40 years, since the 1979 Israel-Egypt peace treaty (that alluded to but did not solve the Palestinian question) and the European Community’s 1980 Venice Declaration, Europe has been
Pompeo, the Israel-Greece-Cyprus Alliance, and the EastMed Pipeline
As the Purim holiday arrives, many are looking forward to a break from the country’s exhausting election cycle. But for Prime Minister Netanyahu, Wednesday evening was an opportunity to reinforce
Mogherini’s Meeting with Arab Legislators from Israel
The EU quite frequently expresses criticism over Israeli policies and legislation that damage prospects of achieving the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflicts or that run
The Israeli Foreign Policy Index for 2018
The sixth annual public opinion poll of the Mitvim Institute on Israel’s foreign policy was conducted in September 2018. It was carried out by the Rafi Smith Institute and in cooperation with
Orban in Jerusalem: Challenging Days for Europe-Israel Relations
The modern State of Israel was established 70 years ago based on humanistic and pluralistic values, noble standards of equality and solidarity among all people. While Jewish presence in the Holy
The Art of the (Israeli-Russian) Deal
On June 1, Russian Ambassador to the UN Vasily Nebenzya told the press that he “believes” that his country and Israel reached an agreement regarding “certain disengagement in the southwest of
Time for an Israel-Turkey Dialogue on Syria
Iranian involvement in Syria is increasing, bolstering Israeli motivation to influence Syria’s reality. Israel has carried out successful military moves in recent years in order to preserve its
The Eastern Mediterranean: New Dynamics and Potential for Cooperation
New dynamics are taking place in the Eastern Mediterranean. Signs of increased political cooperation between different countries, new opportunities for economic cooperation due to natural gas
Israel’s Partners in Europe: Yes to Democracies, No to the Far Right
The Israeli government and the Knesset are formulating approaches to address the rise of the far-right Austrian Freedom Party and the new Polish law regarding the Holocaust. In this effort, there
Israel’s Policy toward the Far-Right Party in Austria
The Israel-Austria Parliamentary Friendship Group, headed by MK Amir Peretz (Zionist Union), held a special meeting at the Knesset on 31 January 2018 to discuss Israel’s policy towards the
Israel Should Maintain its Boycott on Far-Right Parties in Europe
The Austrian Freedom Party, which is known for its anti-Semitic and Nazi roots, is part of the new coalition government in Vienna. Its leader, Heinz-Christian Strache, is Austria’s new
What do the German Election Results Mean for Israel, Europe, and the Peace Process?
On 27 September 2017, the Mitvim Institute and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung held a policy roundtable on the German election results and their impact on Israel, Europe and the peace process. The
The 2017 Israeli Foreign Policy Index of the Mitvim Institute
The annual public opinion of the Mitvim Institute on Israel’s foreign policy was conducted, for the fifth consecutive year in mid-September 2017. It was carried out by the Rafi Smith Institute,
Israel needs good relations with Europe
The European Union EU is facing great turmoil. Russia’s aggression in the east, the political change in the US and Brexit are all major obstacles on its way forward. These dramatic developments
