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Begin New Search Political Geography Israel Publishing Institution Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security (JISS)

1. Translating Trump’s Disruptive Diplomacy into a New Reality in Gaza

Author:
Eran Lerman
Publication Date:
02-2025
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security (JISS)
Abstract:
The turmoil caused by President Donald Trump’s statements regarding the future of Gaza – which include the eviction of its population, American governance, the creation of a “Middle Eastern Riviera,” and an ultimatum demanding the release of all hostages – highlights two key issues on which Trump’s positions appear self-contradictory. The call for the release of all hostages (and hence perhaps an end to the war) seems at odds with the administration’s firmly held view that Hamas must no longer be the ruling power in Gaza. At the same time, the call for Palestinians to leave Gaza contradicts the traditional commitment to America’s Arab friends (and clients). The stability of the regimes in Egypt and Jordan, if pushed to take the Gazans and punished for their refusal, could be endangered – despite King Abdullah’s efforts to mollify Trump during his visit to Washington. The future of their peace treaties with Israel would also be threatened. The Saudis too have responded abruptly, reiterating their support for Palestinian demands. Consequently, the region has been thrust into a state of crisis.
Topic:
Foreign Policy, Diplomacy, Donald Trump, 2023 Gaza War, and Hostages
Political Geography:
Middle East, Israel, Palestine, Gaza, and United States of America

2. Has the Iranian challenge been forgotten?

Author:
Efraim Inbar
Publication Date:
04-2024
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security (JISS)
Abstract:
Israel must take seriously Iran’s stated intention to destroy the Jewish state. Iran’s desire to attain nuclear weapons serves its goal of eliminating Israel and its strategy of using its proxies to threaten Israel’s civilian population. All measures taken so far to stop Tehran’s nuclear project have failed, and Israel has no choice but to urgently eliminate this threat by military means.
Topic:
Security, Nuclear Weapons, Military Affairs, and Proxy Groups
Political Geography:
Iran, Middle East, Israel, and Palestine

3. Changes in the military deployment of the United States and their implications for Israel’s wars in the region

Author:
Eytan Gilboa
Publication Date:
01-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security (JISS)
Abstract:
At the start of the Gaza War, President Biden warned Iran and its proxies against launching an all-out attack on Israel and sent aircraft carriers to the region to clarify his intentions. The withdrawal of the Gerald R. Ford carrier from the Mediterranean could be interpreted as a sign of American weakness, diminish deterrence of Iran, and undermine US mediation efforts in Lebanon.
Topic:
Armed Forces, Military Affairs, Deterrence, Regional Security, and 2023 Gaza War
Political Geography:
Iran, Middle East, Israel, Palestine, Gaza, and United States of America

4. Mapping the Post-Assad Landscape

Author:
Eran Lerman
Publication Date:
12-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security (JISS)
Abstract:
The collapse of the Assad regime weakens Iran and the CRINK Axis, but Islamist radicalism and rising Turkish influence demand Israel’s military vigilance and diplomatic engagement.
Topic:
Diplomacy, Islamism, Bashar al-Assad, and Regional Security
Political Geography:
Iran, Turkey, Middle East, Israel, and Syria

5. Geostrategic Factors, Not Humanitarian Considerations Mold Public Opinion in the West

Author:
Hillel Frisch
Publication Date:
11-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security (JISS)
Abstract:
Analysis of Google searches shows Israel has greater freedom of action than it may imagine in view of the focus on the potential regional ramifications of the conflict between Israel and Iran over the Palestinians and Gaza.
Topic:
Public Opinion, Geopolitics, Humanitarian Crisis, and 2023 Gaza War
Political Geography:
Middle East, Israel, and Palestine

6. Erdoğan’s New Front: Exploiting Israel for Regional and Domestic Leverage

Author:
Hay Ertan Cohen Yanarocak
Publication Date:
10-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security (JISS)
Abstract:
By framing Israel as a national security threat, the Turkish President deflects attention from the country’s internal challenges while addressing evolving regional power dynamics, including concerns about Iran, Hezbollah, and the Kurdish presence in northern Syria.
Topic:
National Security, Hezbollah, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Regional Security
Political Geography:
Turkey, Israel, Palestine, Syria, and Middle East and Africa

7. Hezbollah’s Expanding Threat in Africa: A Looming Challenge for Israel and the U.S.

Author:
Efraim Inbar
Publication Date:
10-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security (JISS)
Abstract:
The IDF is battling Hezbollah in Lebanon to enable Israel’s 85,000 displaced citizens to return safely to their homes. Less known is the significant security challenge Hezbollah poses to Israel and the United States in Africa. Hezbollah, with Iran’s backing, has steadily expanded its financial and operational presence across the African continent, establishing networks that could be weaponized against Western interests. This development represents not only a direct threat to Israel and the U.S. but also to the stability of fragile African states where Hezbollah has built strongholds.
Topic:
Security, Non State Actors, Hezbollah, and Proxy Groups
Political Geography:
Africa, Middle East, Israel, Palestine, and Lebanon

8. The Gaza War and Europe: Can the Continent Play a Positive Role in The Middle East?

Author:
Efraim Inbar
Publication Date:
09-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security (JISS)
Abstract:
Europe borders the Middle East, and the continent cannot insulate itself from events in this region. Its options, however, are limited: Europe is hardly a strategic actor with the political will and requisite capabilities to intervene. Moreover, the Middle East is not easily amenable to foreign intervention. Nevertheless, Europe cannot ignore developments that impact its national security and if it concentrates its efforts, it may have a modest input in ensuring that pro-stability forces gain the upper hand.
Topic:
Foreign Policy, Diplomacy, Humanitarian Crisis, and 2023 Gaza War
Political Geography:
Europe, Middle East, Israel, Palestine, and Gaza

9. Why Is It Taking So Long to Destroy Hamas?

Author:
Gabi Siboni
Publication Date:
08-2024
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security (JISS)
Abstract:
For years, the Gaza Strip has been of secondary importance, with the General Staff focusing primarily on the northern front and Iran. This focus has come at the expense of intelligence gathering, building operational plans, and operational attention to Gaza.
Topic:
Non State Actors, Hamas, and 2023 Gaza War
Political Geography:
Iran, Middle East, Israel, Palestine, and Gaza

10. Israel, Europe, and the Russia-Iran Axis

Author:
Emmanuel Navon
Publication Date:
06-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security (JISS)
Abstract:
With the world divided between a U.S.-led order of democracies on the one hand, and a cartel of aggressive autocracies – China, Russia, Iran and North Korea – on the other, that is challenging America and its allies, Europe has an important role to play in Israel’s war against Iran and its proxies.
Topic:
National Security, Autocracy, Proxy Groups, and Regional Politics
Political Geography:
Russia, Europe, Middle East, Israel, and Palestine