Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security (JISS)
Abstract:
The delineation of the Libyan and Turkish Exclusive Economic Zones was and remains essential not only for Israel and Egypt but also for others in the region who seek to curtail Erdogan’s ambitions and shore up Egypt’s economic and political stability.
Topic:
Security, Diplomacy, Territorial Disputes, and Conflict
Political Geography:
Europe, Turkey, Middle East, Israel, and Mediterranean
The negotiations between the United States and Iran on renewing the
nuclear agreement have run into serious difficulties following the
opposition by the United States and the European partners to Iran's
demand that the IAEA close the open files on the Iranian nuclear
program before the implementation of the agreement (120 days after
signing). At the same time, Iran continues to accelerate the program,
including the enrichment of uranium using cascades of advanced
centrifuges. Three scenarios are possible: a resolution of the crisis and
achievement of an agreement; continued stagnation, i.e., lowintensity talks; or the collapse of the negotiations. The worst scenario
for Israel is a continuation of the current situation, in which Iran could
in a short time accumulate enough fissile material for weapons-grade
enrichment for several nuclear facilities, while the temptation of a
nuclear breakout increases. Thus, Israel should immediately
formulate a new strategy regarding Iran. The government should
conduct a discreet dialogue with the US administration and focus on
proposals that seek to advance Israel’s military and strategic needs,
including consolidating covert and effective cooperation with the
countries of the region under the auspices of the United States.
Topic:
Security, Diplomacy, Nuclear Weapons, Negotiation, and Strategic Interests
The decision by Turkey and Israel to normalize their relations stems
from several processes that brought the Turkish side to push for
normalization and the Israeli side to respond affirmatively. Yet
alongside the serious motivations of the two sides to continue this
process, there are issues that could become obstacles. Among them
are the developments between Israel and the Palestinians, Turkey-US
relations, the dynamics of Turkey's integration in processes related to
the Abraham Accords, and the nature of future Israeli plans regarding
gas exports. Nonetheless, coping with challenges related to these
issues will be easier with senior diplomatic representation present in
both countries.
Topic:
Diplomacy, Bilateral Relations, Normalization, and Strategic Interests
The cooperation between Cairo and Doha has grown stronger – a development that until recently seemed nearly impossible. What lies behind the surprising rapprochement, how did it contribute to the swift conclusion of the recent campaign in Gaza, and what are the challenges and opportunities for Israel in light of the new situation?
Topic:
Diplomacy, Military Strategy, Bilateral Relations, and Strategic Interests
Political Geography:
Africa, Middle East, Israel, Gaza, Egypt, and Qatar
Broad economic relations, high-level policy meetings, and developing tourism ties: two years after the historic Abraham Accords were signed, the relations between Israel and the four states have flowered. At the same time, the potential of these relations is far from realized, the challenges remain, and Jerusalem should commit itself to strengthen the Accords – and even to expand them
Topic:
Diplomacy, Regional Cooperation, Treaties and Agreements, and Peace
Political Geography:
Middle East, Israel, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, and Gulf Nations
Since the Abraham Accords were signed, and particularly with Biden’s visit to the region, some have argued that Saudi Arabia will be the next country to normalize relations with Israel. However, complete normalization is far from imminent. What are the reasons for this, and how should Israel act toward the Saudi kingdom?
Topic:
Diplomacy, Bilateral Relations, Normalization, and Strategic Interests
The statements issued by President Biden during his visit to the Middle East include little mention of China. However, close reading reveals that between the lines, China is quite present in the agreements reached by the President and Israel and Saudi Arabia. The dialogue on technology cooperation announced by Jerusalem and Washington, which is related directly to the Great Power competition, signals a new stage in partnership between the countries: Israel alongside the United States, even if not against China
Topic:
Diplomacy, Science and Technology, Bilateral Relations, and Rivalry
Political Geography:
China, Middle East, Israel, Asia, North America, and United States of America
Hezbollah’s launch of UAVs at the Karish gas field was a cognitive action directed at Israel and the Lebanese, and sparked much public criticism in the Lebanese political establishment, which is eager to reach an arrangement on the gas issue. At this stage, Israel is right not to react to the UAVs militarily, and should continue to try to exhaust the diplomatic route with its northern neighbor to demarcate the maritime border, while recognizing that the Shiite organization will attempt again to challenge the balance of deterrence
Topic:
Security, Defense Policy, Diplomacy, Military Strategy, and Hezbollah
President Biden’s forthcoming trip to Israel, intended to emphasize the US commitment to Israel’s security, brings with it a golden opportunity for Jerusalem on issues such as Iran, the campaign between wars, and Saudi Arabia – also on the Biden itinerary, where the President will attempt to achieve immediate economic gains
Topic:
Foreign Policy, Diplomacy, Bilateral Relations, and Leadership
Political Geography:
Middle East, Israel, North America, and United States of America