Israel in the Middle East and the Mediterranean:
After Prolonged Multi-Front Confrontations, Diplomatic Opportunities Emerge
Gaza Reconstruction is Israel’s Chance to Shape the Region
In recent weeks, a flood of words has been spoken about US President Donald Trump’s proposed “evacuation and reconstruction” plan for the Gaza Strip – both regarding its impracticality and its
A Blue Economy in the Eastern Mediterranean: Climate, Society and Regional Prosperity
This paper examines the differences between a blue economy and a maritime economy in the regional context of the Eastern Mediterranean. A blue economy is defined as one that improves human
Hydropolitics in the Middle East
Water scarcity in the Middle East poses a formidable challenge, with far-reaching implications for the region’s ecological balance, socio-economic stability, and security. This policy paper
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,
Israeli-Turkish Reconciliation Is a Rare Success Story of Diplomacy in the Mediterranean
On August 17, Israel and Türkiye announced they would fully normalize their ties and reappoint ambassadors and consul generals after four years. A month has passed and, for the first time since
Iran helped Turkey and Israel mend ties. Here’s how.
In June, amid the season for summer vacations, some alarming news was published about the dangers posed to Israeli tourists visiting Turkey. According to intelligence provided by Turkish and
Sports for Peace: Let Israelis and Palestinians Compete in Mediterranean Games
3,500 athletes from 26 countries began competing this week in the 19th Mediterranean Games in Algeria. For over 70 years, delegates from throughout the region have convened quadrennially, in
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.
Israel and Turkey must cooperate on climate change
Israel and Turkey are starting a new chapter in their long-standing bilateral relationship. The mutual visits by foreign ministers Mevlut Cavusoglu and Yair Lapid to Israel and Turkey followed up
Israel and Turkey must cooperate on climate change- opinion
Israel and Turkey are starting a new chapter in their long-standing bilateral relationship. The mutual visits by foreign ministers Mevlut Cavusoglu and Yair Lapid to Israel and Turkey followed up
Climate change can help bring Israel and Turkey closer
Israel and Turkey are starting a new chapter in their long-standing bilateral relationship. The mutual visits by Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu’s to Israel (May 2022) and by Foreign Minister Lapid to
Turkey FM visit to Israel a sign relations are warming
Mevlut Cavusoglu’s trip to Israel this week will make him the first Turkish foreign minister to visit the country in 15 years – the latest step in a rapprochement between the countries after
Turkish FM’s visit to Israel is a chance to unify politics- energy momentum – opinion
Wednesday’s upcoming visit to Israel by Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu, likely accompanied by Energy Minister Donmez, places the gradually improving relations between the sides on a practical
Turkish FM’s visit to Israel is a chance to unify politics-energy momentum – opinion
Wednesday’s upcoming visit to Israel by Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu, likely accompanied by Energy Minister Donmez, places the gradually improving relations between the sides on a practical
President Herzog’s Visit to Turkey: How to Proceed?
Israeli President Herzog’s visit to Ankara (March 9), for the first time since 2008, is a recent attempt to open a new page in the relations between the two countries. There have been ups
Ramadan Will Test Budding Israel-Turkey Relations: Expert
Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s historic trip to Turkey and landmark meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan were all smiles and promises. Both leaders said their countries had much
As Israel-Turkey relations shift, attention turns to Russia and Ukraine – opinion
At an important week in Israel-Turkey relations, featuring the first visit to Ankara by an Israeli president in 15 years, the two countries are trying to play a similar and surprising role in the
Regional Architecture in the Eastern Mediterranean: Challenges and Opportunities at the Current Crossroads
The natural gas discoveries in the eastern Mediterranean basin, and the strategic developments in the region over the past decade, have helped to “put it on the map,” making it a distinct
The EastMed pipeline accomplishes its strategic significance
The Eastern Mediterranean Pipeline (EastMed), which was designed to connect the gas fields in the eastern Mediterranean on a route that runs between Israel, Cyprus, Greece and from there to
Why Herzog is right to visit Turkey
“As far as I am concerned, the revelation of this visit was the tremendous admiration for Israel, the Turkish readiness to turn a new leaf in the history of the countries,” said Israeli President
The EastMed Pipeline Is Dead, Long Live the EuroAsia Electricity Project
Plan to send Israeli gas to Europe under the sea in trouble, but power grid hookup is looking good After a decade of excitement at the prospect of moving Israeli gas to Europe through the EastMed
Regional architecture that should be promoted in the Eastern Mediterranean
The Eastern Mediterranean has been consolidated over the past decade into a distinct sub-region of Israeli foreign policy. Three strategic developments led the states of the region, and Israel
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
Lines in the Sea: How resolution of Israel and Lebanon’s
maritime dispute could set a regional precedent
For a few brief weeks in the autumn of 2020, Israeli and Lebanese officials met in Naqoura, Lebanon, a small border town nestled on the high cliffs overlooking the Eastern Mediterranean. Their
Involving Lebanon in the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum
Attempts to resolve the maritime border dispute between Lebanon and Israel are in constant flux. In the latest development, Lebanon’s President Aoun has rejected the unilateral Lebanese expansion
Greece and Cyprus can play a modest role in advancing
Israeli-Palestinian peace
In March 2021, the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum held its first meeting as a recognized international organization. Delegations from member countries – including Cyprus, Egypt, Greece,
Israel and the Mediterranean
A New Space for Regional Belonging
Meeting Summaries from a Research and Policy Group
Introduction The Eastern Mediterranean has attracted significant attention over recent years. New economic opportunities and geopolitical developments are contributing to this trend and are
Lebanon ups ante on maritime border with Israel
Lebanon’s surprising decision earlier this month to expand its territorial claim by 1,430 square kilometers (552 sq. miles) further complicates the already complex maritime border negotiations
Greece, Cyprus, and the Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process
For decades, the US operated as the central mediator between Israel and the Palestinians. However, after decades of stalled negotiations, it is likely that future peacemaking efforts will be
The Biden administration can help
mend ties between Turkey and Israel
Following President Joe Biden’s victory over Donald Trump, there have been a flurry of reports that Turkey is courting Israel in the hopes of resolving their diplomatic dispute. Turkey’s timing
Supercharged: The EuroAsia Interconnector and
Israel’s Pursuit of Energy Interdependence
Contemporary analysis of Eastern Mediterranean geopolitics tends to focus on the discovery of offshore hydrocarbons, and how a desire to maximize commercial profits has spurred a realignment of
Israel-Turkey Relations Are Not Only About
Erdoğan and Netanyahu
The final days of 2020 raised hopes that Israel and Turkey may be on their way to improve ties, despite policy differences and lack of trust. “Turkey wants better ties with Israel”, said Turkey’s
Israel in the Mediterranean: Policy Questions and Answers
A Policy paper based on a meeting of the “Israel in the Mediterranean” working group. This paper presents insights and recommendations from a policy workshop of the “Israel in the Mediterranean”
After UAE, Bahrain normalization,
will ties with Egypt, Jordan improve?
The establishment of peaceful relations between Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco introduces a new model of normalization, highlighting warm receptions between the people
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
Will Biden Help Israel Take on Turkey?
Gabriel Mitchell, towards the U.S elections
The Palestinian Issue as Ground and Ceiling for Arab-Israeli Cooperation
A new research by Thair Abu Ras
Israel-Lebanon Maritime Border Negotiations: Cautious Optimism but No Bells of Peace
Op-ed by Amb. (ret.) Michael Harari
The Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum: Cooperation in the Shadow of Competition
Gabriel Mitchell, Research, September 2020-
Israel and the conflicts in the Mediterranean Basin
working group, September 2020
DEBATE: How Serious Is the Israeli-Turkish Rapprochement?
Ambassador (Ret.) Michael Harari, BESA online debate, August 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
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
The Eastern Mediterranean: A New Diplomatic Arena for Israel
For decades, Israelis tended to perceive themselves as living in a hostile region and as being doomed for isolation in their neighborhood. The changing realities between Israel and Arab
Israel and the Environment in the Mediterranean Basin
This paper focuses on climate change in the Eastern Mediterranean Basin and the challenges and opportunities which it presents Israel. It is based on the main points raised at the fifth meeting
The 2019 Israel-Turkey Policy Dialogue of the Mitvim Institute
In September 2019, the Mitvim Institute held its annual Israel-Turkey policy dialogue, for the eighth consecutive year. The dialogue took place in Istanbul and Ankara, in cooperation with
The Diplomatic Potential in Developing Gaza’s Offshore Gas Field
Israel, Hamas and Egypt have long been debating whether to move ahead with an arrangement on Gaza and how to do so. The Palestinian Authority (PA) has to a large extent been excluded from this
Forget the East-Med Pipeline: Advantages of Alternative Options to Transport the Easter Mediterranean Gas
In recent years, Israel, Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus, Greece and Italy promoted the idea of constructing a long pipeline to transfer gas from Israel and Cyprus to Europe. It
Israel and Energy in the Eastern Mediterranean
This paper focuses on the role of energy in shaping Israel’s policies towards the Mediterranean. It is based on the main points raised at the fourth meeting of the research and policy group on
Israel-Morocco Cooperation in 2019: Warming from the Bottom Up
A 2018 paper entitled “Israel and Morocco: Cooperation Rooted in Heritage”, written within the framework of the Mitvim Institute’s project on the unfulfilled potential of Israel’s relations with
The Interests of Global Powers in the Mediterranean and Israeli Policies
This policy paper sets out the various interests and goals of global powers (the US, Russia, China and the EU) in the Mediterranean, and the measures they are undertaking to implement them. The
The Interests of Eastern Mediterranean States and Israeli Policies
This paper scans the interests and activities of Greece, Cyprus, Turkey and Egypt in the Mediterranean Basin – their varying and competing interests, their points of convergence and cooperation,
Israel, Energy, and the Eastern Mediterranean: Shaping a New Regional Foreign Policy
This paper explores the nexus between Israel’s energy policy and foreign policy interests in the Eastern Mediterranean. While regional energy cooperation has the potential to be one of the most
Guiding Principles for Israel’s Foreign Policy toward the Eastern Mediterranean
In recent years, the Eastern Mediterranean has become a central focus of world powers, of states in the Middle East, Europe, and beyond, and of international corporations. Regional geopolitical
Who Benefits from the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum?
The Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum, launched in mid-January in Cairo, features a development of political importance which is a direct result of the natural gas discoveries in the region in
The 2018 Israel-Turkey Policy Dialogue of the Mitvim Institute
In October 2018, the Mitvim Institute held its annual Israel-Turkey policy dialogue, for the seventh consecutive year. The dialogue took place in Istanbul, in cooperation with
A Port in Cyprus Can Help Resolve Gaza’s Humanitarian Crisis
The Gaza Strip poses a great challenge to Israel – in particular its fragile humanitarian situation, which has been an item on the Israeli decision-making table for a long time, especially since
Netanyahu’s Attempt to Delink Israel-Arab Relations from the Palestinian Issue
Research by Dr. Yuval Benziman, April 2018
Insights from the 2017 Israel-Turkey Policy Dialogue of the Mitvim Institute
The Mitvim Institute’s annual Israeli-Turkish policy dialogue was held in Istanbul on 26-27 October 2017, for the sixth consecutive year. It focused on the state of Israel-Turkey relations
New Euro-Mediterranean Dynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean
The Dialogue Workshop “New Euro-Mediterranean Dynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean” was held on November 10th 2017 in Athens as part of the EuroMeSCo Network’s ENI Project, co-funded by the EU
The Israel-Turkey Deal Could Benefit the Palestnians
An extended period of strained relations has finally ended with a series of lengthy negotiations that culminated in the recent Turkey-Israeli deal in June 2016. The crucial point in the
Turkey and Israel: A Chronicle of Bilateral Relations
As someone who personally experienced the first downgrading of diplomatic relations between Israel and Turkey in 1981, and kept close track of the second downgrading in 2010, I naturally feel
The Israel-Turkey Deal Could Benefit the Palestinians
An extended period of strained relations has finally ended with a series of lengthy negotiations that culminated in the recent Turkey-Israeli deal in June 2016. The critical point in the
Turkey-Israel deal: A key to long-term reconciliation?
Turkey and Israel have finally restored diplomatic relations based on a reconciliation deal signed on June 28, 2016, following six years of a tumultuous negotiation process. After agreement on
Turkey-Israel deal: A key to long-term reconciliation?
Turkey and Israel have finally restored diplomatic relations based on a reconciliation deal signed on June 28, 2016, following six years of a tumultuous negotiation process. After agreement on
Terror Hits Turkey
The New Year’s Eve attack in Istanbul does not bode well for 2017 in Turkey, signifying the continuation of the rise in terrorism the country has been experiencing in the past few years.
The risks and rewards of Israeli-Turkish energy cooperation
At a press conference in Rome on June 27, 2016, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel had reached a reconciliation agreement with Turkey. Israel’s premier stated
The Path to Normalization between Israel and Turkey
It was July 3, 2016, only a few days after the security cabinet had convened in Jerusalem and approved the reconciliation agreement between Israel and Turkey. The bow of the Lady Leyla ship
Turkish-Israeli Relations: Crises and Cooperation
Several factors have always played an important role in Turkish-Israeli relations since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1949. First of all, both countries have been in the
Eastern Mediterranean: Do Not Write Off States Just Yet
Do not write off states as power brokers in the Eastern Mediterranean maritime arena just yet. It is easy to do so. Great powers (past, present and aspiring) as well as non-state actors seem to
Policy Recommendations for Israel-Turkey Reconciliation
Engaged in a series of policy dialogues since 2012, Mitvim – the Israeli Institute for Regional Foreign Policies and the Global Political Trends (GPoT) Center believe that after the signing of
Why the coup in Turkey wasn’t successful
It usually happens once a decade. The Turkish army, or elements within it, decides to challenge the country’s authorities. The generals explain this as a need to preserve democracy or
Israel-Turkey: Where to from Now?
After years of negotiations that produced sporadic headlines but few results, Israel and Turkey finally reached terms for reconciliation on June 27. While relations will not return to the “love
Supporting Israel-Turkey Reconciliation
Turkey-Israel relations experienced several peaks and valleys in the last six decades, yet the dominant narrative between the two countries emphasized their shared strategic interests in the
Israel and Turkey on the Verge of an Agreement
Israel and Turkey have been conveying to their publics positive messages about progress in the bilateral negotiations toward a reconciliation agreement. Expectations are that a deal may be
Erdogan keeps changing the rules of the Turkish political game
Ahmet Davutoglu was apparently the ultimate crony. He has served since 2003 as Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s political right-hand man, first as foreign policy adviser to the prime minister, after
Disaster diplomacy: The attack that brought Israel and Turkey closer
Normalcy lacked in recent years in the relations between Israel and Turkey and should not be taken for granted It is difficult to look for the bright side of tragic events such as the recent
Time to seal the Israel-Turkey deal
Turkey and Israel face a unique opportunity: to reconcile after five years of stagnant bilateral relations. We, leaders of Israeli and Turkish think tanks that have been working together since
Is Turkey’s War on Terror A Consequence of the Iran Deal?
The deal negotiated by the P5+1 with Iran on its nuclear program has been heralded by supporters as a historic agreement and regional game-changer. Much of the international criticism thus far
Turkey: The almost mediator state
Most analysts today consider Ahmet Davutoğlu’s “zero problems with neighbors” strategy a failure, and typically cite Turkey’s decision to lend its support to the Muslim Brotherhood during the
Turkey: The Almost Mediator State
Most analysts consider Davutoğlu’s “zero problems with neighbors” strategy a failure, and typically cite Turkey’s decision to lend its support to religious conservative movements like the Muslim
The US role in Israel-Turkey relations
Mitvim – The Israeli Institute for Regional Foreign Policies and Global Political Trends (GPoT) Center held their 5th policy dialogue on March 23rd, 2015, in Washington D.C. The event which was
Israel-Turkey Relations after the War in Gaza
On November 20th, 2014, Mitvim – The Israeli Institute for Regional Foreign Policies and the Global Political Trends (GPoT) Center held their 4th policy dialogue. The dialogue took place in
What is the role of Israel in Turkey’s political universe? A Q&A with Dr. Emre Erdoğan
Turkish Prime Minister Erdoğan’s anti-Israel comments during Operation Protective Edge were driven by domestic concerns, including the August 10th Presidential elections; But Turkey needs to be
Turkey’s Former Foreign Minister, H.E. Yaşar Yakış, Visited Israel to Promote Israel-Turkey Reconciliation
Turkey’s former Foreign Minister, H.E. Yaşar Yakış, visited Israel on 20-21 May 2014, upon the invitation of Mitvim – The Israeli Institute for Regional Foreign Policies. The visit was
For Netanyahu, security trumps rapprochement with Turkey
The ongoing drama between Israel and Turkey seems to be approaching its final act. However, even though Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the Anadolu Agency (AA) that Israel desires
A new understanding for the Middle East
Published in The Jerusalem Post, January 3, 2014 Yonatan Touval is a foreign policy analyst based in Tel Aviv. He has worked with several Israeli nongovernmental organizations dedicated to
Curing the hiccups in Israeli-Turkish negotiations
From tales of Turkish intelligence chief Hakan Fidan revealing the names of 10 Mossad assets to Iranian authorities, to El Al being locked out of the Turkish market, it is hard to find a silver
If only Morsi had listened to Erdoğan
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s September 2011 visit to Cairo was full of pomp and circumstance. Thousands of adoring Egyptians welcomed him waving Turkish flags and sounding their
Reactions to a Turkish poll on Israel-Turkey relations
In late April 2013, the Istanbul-based Center for Economics and Foreign Policy Studies (EDAM) published a public opinion poll regarding Israel-Turkey relations. The poll results can be read here.
Israel-Turkey Relations
Summary of Mitvim’s activities towards mending the relations, August 2011-March 2013 Towards Mending Israel-Turkey Relations Summary of Mitvim’s Activities August 2011- March 2013 In
Israel and Weak Neighboring States:
Lessons from the Israeli Experience in Lebanon
The Arab Spring reshaped the set of threats that Israel is facing. Rather than fearing the strength of their Arab neighbors, Israelis are now concerned by their weakness. Israel has a long and
Israelis readier than ever for raid apology, poll shows
The Arab Spring appears to have changed the views of Israelis on Turkey, as a recent poll revealed that a majority favor Israel apologizing to Turkey for the 2010 killings of Turks in a
Turkish-Israeli Relations and the Paradigm Shift in the Middle East
Mitvim – Global Political Trends (GPoT) Center Policy Dialogue; Istanbul, Turkey; September 2012 Mitvim representatives: Dr. Nimrod Goren, Dr. Alon Liel, Ms. Ghaida Rinawie-Zoabi, Mr. Arik Segal
Israel and Turkey During the Arab Spring
Winds of change have begun blowing across the Middle East in early 2011. For the first time in decades, Arab citizens in different countries have been going to the streets and demanding freedom
Israel Is Missing an Opportunity to Mend Ties With Turkey
In the last couple of days, Israel’s Counter Terrorism Bureau has warned Israeli citizens against travelling to Turkey for fear of terrorist attacks, and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip
