Warum die Gaza-Mission weiter auf sich warten lässt – Dr. Gil Murciano, Deutsche Welle, July 2026
"Die Beteiligung internationaler Akteure setzt voraus, dass zumindest ein Mindestmaß an politischer Stabilität geschaffen wird".
Trends in Israeli Foreign Policy, January-June 2026
This document presents the main trends that characterized Israel’s regional foreign policy and foreign relations during January–June 2026.
Without Physical Reconstruction That Leads to Political Reconstruction, Israel Will Remain Trapped in the Cycle of Fighting
At the conference "The Trump Peace Plan: From Stagnation to Action", led by the Arava Institute and the Mitvim Institute, former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, former Acting Prime Minister Tzipi
Recognition Is Not Enough
When our author first visited Sarajevo, he thought he had come to learn about constitutional models. Instead, he left with a different lesson. We no longer have the excuse of ignorance. We have
Building Forward Better: A Strategic Framework for Rebuilding Gaza’s Health System
The near-total collapse of Gaza’s health system represents a catastrophic institutional breakdown that simultaneously offers a historic, post conflict window of opportunity to leapfrog from a
Resource Management and Waste Treatment in the Gaza Strip: An Innovative Model for Environmental and Diplomatic Rehabilitation
The Iron Swords War, which broke out after the October 7, 2023, massacre, led to regionally and internationally unprecedented levels of infrastructure destruction in the Gaza Strip.
Joint Management of the Waste Crisis in Israel and Palestine as an Environmental and Political Opportunity
This document examines the problem of waste in the Israeli-Palestinian space, and its cross-border ramifications.
Netanyahu, the Opposition and Israel’s Security Gamble – Dr. Gil Murciano, MED Insights Podcast, ISPI, May 2026
A crisis within Netanyahu's coalition, a Knesset on the verge of dissolution, a Gaza under expanding occupation and a West Bank on the edge – Israel heads into an uncertain election season with
Netanyahus Minister für Hass – Dr. Gil Murciano, Der Spiegel, May 2026
»Sa’ar und Netanyahu distanzieren sich immer nur dann, wenn eine internationale rote Linie überschritten worden ist«, sagt Gil Murciano, Direktor der israelischen Denkfabrik Mitvim.
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
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
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
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
Encounters of the Third Kind – Prof. Arie M. Kacowicz, The Times of Israel, February 2026
I have been teaching the seminar “Negotiating Middle East Peace,” which addresses successful and failed peace processes in the Arab Israeli conflict, in different settings, for the last 23 years.
Israel signals harder line in Gaza – Dr. Nimrod Goren, The Jerusalem Post, February 2026
Military leaders warn that failure to disarm Hamas could trigger renewed operations even as diplomacy moves forward.
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
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.
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
News Analysis: Phase two of Trump’s Gaza peace plan faces political gridlock as core governance questions remain unresolved – Dr. Roee Kibrik, XINHUANET, December 2025
What may seem like a technical disagreement is in fact a struggle over Gaza’s future governance. Roee Kibrik, head of research at Mitvim, the Israeli Institute for Regional Foreign
“There is a genuine sense of relief that we are moving forward to diplomacy” – Dr. Nimrod Goren, NBC NEWS, November 2025
“On the other hand, it’s not really clear where all this is headed”
“Normalization? Not Now”
Based on a conversation conducted by Dr. Roee Kibrik ahead of Mitvim’s Annual “Building Hope” Conference.
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,
What could an international security force in Gaza look like? – Dr. Nimrod Goren, The New Arab, October 2025
“By accepting the Trump plan, Netanyahu has agreed to the establishment of the ISF. Israel wants the US to clearly be the one in charge of this endeavour, and is generally reluctant toward UN
Why Did It Take So Long to End The War in Gaza – Nadav Tamir, The Times of Israel, October 2025
Donald Trump is probably the most popular person in the State of Israel. From Hostages Square to the Knesset and throughout the length and breadth of the country, American flags were raised in
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
As Trump celebrates ‘peace’ in the Middle East, experts focus on next steps – Nimrod Goren, NBC NEWS, October 2025
Nimrod Goren, the president of the Mitvim Institute, an Israeli think tank, said that while the realization of the first stage of Trump’s plan “is a huge achievement,” the big questions about the
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,
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.
“I am very deeply concerned about their ability to take revenge on us via the hostages” – Dr. Moran Zaga, The Times of Israel, September 2025
“I am very deeply concerned about their ability to take revenge on us via the hostages,” said Moran Zaga, expert on the Gulf region at Mitvim – The Israeli Institute for Regional Foreign
Berlin must act
Germany’s reserve towards Netanyahu not only jeopardises the two-state solution, but also Israel’s democratic future.
Recognising Problems in Israel: Western recognition of Palestine and trouble at the Foreign Ministry – Nimrod Goren, The New Arab, August 2025
This week on The New Arab Voice podcast, we look at the recent decision by Western nations to recognise the State of Palestine.
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.
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
Nimrod Goren on Mediterranean dialogue in times of division: why people – not politics – hold the key – UfM, August 2025
Nimrod Goren participated in a session where participants discussed what the role of the UfM should be with regards to the post-conflict recovery process in Gaza.
“The plan approved by the Israeli cabinet is damaging for Israel’s national security and foreign policy. It is also unrealistic in terms of its end game” – Dr. Nimrod Goren, NBC NEWS, August 2025
“Common perception in Israel that Netanyahu is acting due to his own political needs, rather than the national good and concern for the Israeli hostages”. Watch and read here
Once again, Israel tried to restrict Gaza aid. Once again, its policy failed miserably – The Times of Israel, July 2025
“The wheel must be broken at some point,” said Bar Rapaport of Mitvim: The Israeli Institute for Regional Foreign Policies. “Israel needs to manage the humanitarian effort in a proactive
“The coalition now is actually committed to continuing the war” – Roee Kibrik, XINHUANET, July 2025
Genuine progress toward a two-state solution could unlock broad regional cooperation and opportunities, Kibrik said, "but with this government, that option is off the table."
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
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.
Netanyahu’s renewed Gaza offensive is politically driven, says think tank – Nimrod Goren on CNBC, May 2025
Mitvim’s President & Founder, Nimrod Goren, says Netanyahu’s military push in Gaza appears motivated more by domestic political survival than national security - sparking growing skepticism
The United Nations Security Council Should Stop the War in Gaza Now – Arie M. Kacowicz, The Times of Israel, May 2025
On December 11, 2024, following the successful cease-fire that has entered into force on November 27, 2024, between Israel and Lebanon, I wrote a blog at The Times of Israel asking for an urgent
Dr. GIL Murciano discusses the latest developments. Middle East Now, i24NEWS, April 2025
● Remarks on the situation in Gaza ● Hezbollah and Iran’s Regional Strategy ● Remarks on the Trump relocation proposal ● Analysis of the Saudi strategy and U.S. Relations ● Insights on the Iran
Arab Leaders Unite on Paper, but Who Will Rebuild Gaza?
Since the outbreak of the war, several Arab states have played supportive roles – Egypt and Qatar as mediators, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan in providing humanitarian aid to Gaza, and
Humanitarian Strategy in the Israel-Hamas War
The document discusses the significance of developing a strategic policy for the humanitarian response in Gaza, emphasizing its importance as a vital Israeli interest. Humanitarian strategy is
The Israeli Initiative
We are honored to share the latest publication from the Mitvim Institute – the Israeli Initiative. The Initiative aims to turn the tragedy of October 7th and the ensuing war into a political
Recommendations for Essential Infrastructure and Healthcare in the Gaza Strip
The paper examines elements of essential infrastructure in the Gaza Strip – energy, water, sanitation, and the health system – in the face of the ongoing war. Our aim is to inform
Why it’s essential to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza
Israel’s success in stabilizing the humanitarian situation in Gaza correlates with minimizing harm to non-combatants. This provides greater flexibility for Israeli troops to defeat Hamas.
Initial policy recommendations for Foreign Minister Ashkenazi – opinion
Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi should lead a process of fixing the country’s regional foreign policies. In his first months in office, he should convey messages and take actions to improve
Israel and Qatar Focus on Shared Interests, Setting Aside Differences
In the shadow of the Coronavirus outbreak, Qatar is once again throwing a lifeline to the Gaza Strip and establishing itself as the Palestinians’ sole savior. Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad
Challenges and Opportunities for Gaza: A Mediterranean Perspective
The Gaza Strip constitutes a unique point of convergence of regional politics, a military and political conflict, a humanitarian crisis, international legal issues, environmental and energy
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
Israel and Qatar Focus on Shared Interests, Setting Aside Differences
In the shadow of the Coronavirus outbreak, Qatar is once again throwing a lifeline to the Gaza Strip and establishing itself as the Palestinians’ sole savior. Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad
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
Israel Needs a Diplomatic Strategy
Israeli political parties and their candidates for the premiership have for years barely mentioned foreign policy in election campaigns – as if the issue is unimportant, as though Israel’s
Gaza Helps Israel and Qatar Find Common Ground
According to Israeli media reports, the heads of the Mossad and of the IDF’s southern command secretly visited Qatar in early February. The visit validates comments made to me by a Qatari senior
Israel-Egypt Cooperation in 2019: Strategic Warming, Civilian Coolness?
Since President Abdel Fatah a-Sisi’s rise to power in 2014, Israeli-Egyptian ties have been marked by defense-strategic cooperation. This is based on the shared perception of Iran and radical
Israel and Qatar: Relations Nurtured by the Palestinian Issue
This article focuses on relations between Israel and Qatar, analyzing them in historical context, in the context of Qatari foreign policy and in terms of their potential and the limitations
Qatar’s friendship is good for Israel
The leak of a secret visit to Doha by Mossad Director Yossi Cohen and GOC Southern Command Maj. Gen. Herzi Levi last month to pressure Qatar to keep funding Hamas in Gaza confirmed what Qatari
The Solution to Gaza is a Diplomatic One
So, what do we do about Gaza? Every new round of violence generates a marathon of media interviews with the usual suspects mouthing the usual platitudes – Israel must rehabilitate its deterrence,
Moving on from Trump’s plan for the Middle East
Trump’s vision for Israeli-Palestinian peace was supposed to be the ultimate gift for Netanyahu’s electoral campaign, rather than the ultimate deal for Israeli-Palestinian conflict resolution.
Peace-Spoilers or Negotiation Partners? Netanyahu’s Understandings with Hamas
How should Israel relate to Hamas? How directly should it engage with an organization whose rule over Gaza makes it a key player in any negotiations towards an end to the Palestinian-Israel
Trends in Israel’s Regional Foreign Policies, Vol. 4
This document outlines major trends in Israel’s regional foreign policies over the past six months. It is based on the Mitvim Institute’s monthly reports that cover ongoing developments in the
The PA’s shrinking space for freedom of expression
At the beginning of Mahmoud Abbas’s presidency, many in the international community placed their hopes in him, seeing him as a leader who could build a pluralistic Palestinian society. But that
Israel’s foreign policy mustn’t be sidelined by energy interests
On January 2, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will reportedly sign an agreement to export Israel’s natural gas via the proposed EastMed pipeline via Cyprus and Greece to Europe. The accord,
Exaggerated Disappointment on the Silver Jubilee of the Israeli-Jordanian Peace Treaty
The 26th of October marked the silver jubilee of the Israeli-Jordanian peace treaty. The media emphasized the fact that no formal celebrations were held on both sides of the Jordan River. Indeed,
Trends in Israel’s Regional Foreign Policies, Vol. 3
This document outlines major trends in Israel’s regional foreign policies over the past six months. It is based on the Mitvim Institute’s monthly reports that cover ongoing developments in the
The Bahrain Workshop and the Dwindling Chances for Israeli-Palestinian Peace under Trump
The economic workshop in Bahrain in late June produced some noteworthy moments that reflected recent changes in Israeli-Gulf relations: An interview of the Bahraini foreign minister by Israeli
Trump Distances Peace, and Bahrain is Just the Tip of the Iceber
The White House announcement that it was convening an economic workshop in Bahrain appeared to mark the launch of a significant US move unveiling the Trump plan we have been hearing about – under
Israel’s Former Diplomats Are a Wasted National Resource
Security issues dominate the public and political discourse in Israel. During the 2019 election campaign, parties have been boasting of having some general or other on their roster of Knesset
Israel Should Advance an International Initiative to Support Gaza
The political, security, humanitarian and economic crisis in the Gaza Strip has been on the Israeli, regional and international agenda for many years now. However, the disengagement from the Gaza
What Should Israel’s Next Foreign Minister Do?
Eight years ago, former Prime Minister Ehud Barak warned that Israel would face a diplomatic tsunami unless it re-engaged in the long stalemated peace talks with the Palestinians. Later on, Tzipi
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
Stable but Tepid: The Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty After 40 Years
On March 26, 1979, Israel and Egypt signed a peace treaty – the first between Israel and an Arab state. Many Israelis were disenchanted when the treaty did not result in normalized bilateral
Who Remembers the Palestinian Issue?
Public attention in the upcoming Israeli elections is focusing on domestic political and economic issues, such as Netanyahu’s legal situation and the cost of living – and on security-related
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
Where Are Palestinian Politics Headed?
The resignation of Palestinian Authority (PA) Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah, who headed the PA government for two terms as President Mahmoud Abbas’ right-hand man, took place at a watershed
A Better Way for the International Community to Benefit the People of Gaza
The situation in Gaza is horrific. Actually, worse than that. Gazans have been deprived of electricity, water, jobs and salaries; they were stripped off their self-respect and parental authority,
Trends in Israel’s Regional Foreign Policies vol. 2
This document briefly outlines major trends in Israel’s regional foreign policies over the past six months. It is based on the Mitvim Institute’s monthly reports that cover ongoing developments
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
Regional Opportunities to Improve the Situation in Gaza
Israeli and Palestinian experts and activists – together with international diplomats – gathered on 31 October 2018 at the UN Headquarters in Jerusalem for a civil society roundtable discussion
Israel and Egypt: A Strategic Axis in the Regional Landscape?
The recent violent escalation in Gaza, that led to the resignation of the Israeli minister of defense and to a public uproar against the government’s handling of the Hamas movement, have
Israel and Turkey: Insights from a Policy Dialogue in the Midst of a Crisis
The recent escalation in Gaza highlighted once again the crisis in Israel-Turkey relations. A harsh exchange of tweets between the spokespersons of Turkey’s President Erdoğan and Israel’s
Mahmoud Abbas’ Interest is to Topple Hamas
It is impossible to isolate the recent escalation of tension between Israel and the Gaza Strip from the stalemate in the internal Palestinian reconciliation process. From the current perspective,
Welcome to the New Normal: Israel and Turkey’s Turbulent Relations in the Post-Reconciliation Era
In June 2016, Israeli and Turkish negotiators announced that they had reached the terms of a reconciliation agreement that would end six years of downgraded diplomatic ties between their
The Quest for a Long-Term Ceasefire in the Gaza Strip
The attempts by officials in the Middle East and beyond to find the formula for a long-term ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, attest to the complexity of the problem that emerged over a decade ago,
The Oslo Agreement was Assassinated with Rabin
Surprisingly for what is considered a failed peace treaty, the 25th anniversary of the Oslo Agreement received significant media coverage. Most of it, as can be expected, was onesided,
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
Trends in Israel’s Regional Foreign Policies Vol. 1
This document briefly outlines major trends in Israel’s regional foreign policies over the past six months. It is based on the Mitvim Institute’s monthly reports that cover ongoing developments
Laying a Civil Foundation for Cooperation between Israel and Iraq
The graduation ceremony of the Department of Hebrew Language at Baghdad University is considered one of the best on campus. In 2010, at the height of the evening, a female graduate interpreted
Israel and Saudi Arabia: From Foes to Potential Friends
The Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammad bin Salman, is fed up with the Palestinian leadership. “Over the past 40 years, the Palestinian leadership has repeatedly missed opportunities and rejected
The Israel-Turkey Crisis and the Need for Containment
The evolving crisis between Israel and Turkey has yet to lead to an official downgrade of official ties between both countries. However, it raises a warning sign against such a development, which
Netanyahu Needs Conflict to Survive
In 2015, Benjamin Netanyahu was elected to a fourth term as prime minister of Israel. Within months, pundits began speculating when his government would fall. So far, the answer has been never.
Who Said Refugees Do Not Return Home?
The demonstrations in the Gaza Strip over the last four weeks, under the banner of the “return of the refugees,” have stirred confusion and resentment among many Israelis. No question about it:
Can China Contribute to Israeli-Palestinian Peacemaking?
In December 2017, while the UN General Assembly voted against the American decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, and while Palestinian leaders were seeking an alternative mediator
A Look at the Palestinian Reconciliation Process
The agreement signed between Fatah and Hamas on 12 October 2017, under the auspices of Egyptian intelligence, is in fact a memorandum of understanding that signals the beginning of a process of
