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.
Israel is once again returning to the status of a ‘mistress’ in the Middle East
Israel has returned to the status of a “mistress” – a relationship acknowledged privately but concealed in public – that characterized its regional position before the Abraham Accords.
Benjamin Netanyahu ist der grosse Verlierer des Iran-Deals. Überlebt er das politisch, und was passiert nun mit Israel? – Dr. Gil Murciano, NZZ, June 2026
Seit vielen Jahren ist der israelische Ministerpräsident der Garant für die Sicherheit seines Landes. Doch er hat sich verkalkuliert, in Iran und im Weissen Haus.
Israel needs more than military force alone to counter Iran and its proxies – Prof. Elie Podeh, The Jerusalem Post, June 2026
The latest round of confrontation with Iran once again demonstrates the determination of the regime not only to avoid capitulation, but also to continue fighting for its interests and national honor.
Severing Israel’s War Fronts Was Never Going to Work – Dr. Dahlia Scheindlin, Haaretz, June 2026
Netanyahu's efforts to de-link Israel's conflict with Iran from Israel's fronts in Lebanon and Gaza, against groups funded by Tehran, have backfired. Can Israel get out of this mess or even spin
National Security and Grand Strategy – Dr. Ilai Saltzman, WGI, June 2026
World Geostrategic Insights interview with Dr. Ilai Saltzman on the feasibility of the “fragmentation of fronts” doctrine pursued by Tel Aviv, the limits of regional deterrence, the weight of
The moment for a Saudi peace initiative has arrived, but on new terms
As the region’s most influential Arab and Muslim state, Saudi Arabia's choices will shape the trajectory of normalization far beyond its own borders.
Despite sharp rebuke over Lebanon, Netanyahu needs Trump to be elected – Dr. Nimrod Goren, The Arab Weekly, June 2026
Nimrod Goren, the president of Mitvim, an Israeli think tank, said “the differences are now very public”, unlike in the past when they were usually quietly managed behind closed doors.
Trump’s ‘crazy’ rebuke undercuts Netanyahu at a critical moment – Dr. Nimrod Goren, Reuters, June 2026
Nimrod Goren, the president of Mitvim, an Israeli think tank, said "the differences are now very public", unlike in the past when they were usually quietly managed behind closed doors.
Donald Trump will ein Abkommen mit Iran erzwingen – ignoriert er dabei Israels Interessen? – Dr. Nimrod Goren, NZZ, May 2026
Während Washington mit Teheran verhandelt, scheint Jerusalem an der Seitenlinie zu stehen. Dort fürchtet man eine voreilige Einigung, die ernsthafte Konsequenzen für Israels Sicherheit haben könnte.
La tregua vacilla in Iran, in Libano è guerra – Dr. Nimrod Goren, HuffPost Italia, April 2026
Gli Usa colpiscono nel sud iraniano, Teheran promette ritorsioni con Khamenei che rilancia lo slogan "Morte all'America e Morte a Israele". L'escalation è gravissima in territorio libanese, con
It is Time to Talk About “Electric Peace”
The war with Iran has sharpened the urgent need to protect Israel's energy infrastructure.
The Iran War Is Eroding Israel’s Nuclear Ambiguity – Yonatan Touval, Foreign Policy, May 2026
Officially or not, Washington is now breaking the taboo and talking about its ally’s bombs.
The Unspoken Consequences of the War in Iran
The Israeli public views the strikes against the Ayatollah regime through a tactical lens: who was assassinated, which military capabilities were disabled, and when the Iranian missile stockpile
The True Winner of the War in Iran Will Be China
The campaign in the Persian Gulf underscores the urgent need to transition away from oil and gas.
Iron Dome in Gulf: How Iran war turned UAE-Israel defense ties operational – Dr. Nimrod Goren, Al-Monitor, May 2026
The deployment is the first known combat use of the system outside Israel as Emirati-Israeli ties shift from political normalization toward military coordination.
When Energy Becomes a Target: The Hidden Risks of the War with Iran
Israelis are closely following the military campaign against Iran: which commanders were eliminated, how much damage was inflicted, and how long Iran can sustain its missile fire. But there is
