Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security (JISS)
Abstract:
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad might have decided to cement his friendship with Tehran, fearing that Moscow’s capacity to invest in Syria’s reconstruction would be negatively affected. Assad may also try to play Iran against its Gulf rivals to draw resources from both.
Topic:
Security, Diplomacy, Bilateral Relations, and Peace
Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security (JISS)
Abstract:
The recurrent pattern of asking for more and more – reminiscent of the folk tale about the fisherman’s greedy wife – has made a mockery of the ongoing attempt to diplomatically resolve the Israeli-Lebanese EEZ dispute. The negotiations have continued for years, and some in Lebanon understand the need for a negotiated outcome: but Hezbollah might yet again scuttle the deal.
Topic:
Diplomacy, Bilateral Relations, Maritime, and Conflict
Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security (JISS)
Abstract:
Israel offers the US military and, even more so, the intelligence community critical support. For example, the US Army has gained through the acquisition of the Iron Dome missile defense system, tank technology such as reactive armor, solutions to the challenge of terrorist improvised explosive devices, mine-clearing devices, and much more. In turn, the US defense establishment –specifically CENTCOM, now that Israel is in its area of responsibility – increasingly reflects Israeli perspectives in Washington policy debates. This has recently been the case on Iran.
Topic:
Defense Policy, Military Strategy, Bilateral Relations, and Conflict
Political Geography:
Iran, Middle East, Israel, North America, and United States of America
For Israel, warming relations with China has, in large part, been driven
by pragmatic and enticing economic prospects, with policies focused
on seizing the economic opportunity. For Xi and the Chinese
Communist Party, the rationale for strengthening relations with Israel
has been equally pragmatic, if of a different nature. China has long
sought access to Israel’s vaunted innovation and technology sector –
one of the most advanced in the world. For these reasons, China-Israel
relations have accelerated dramatically, in areas ranging from trade
in goods, to investment deals, to diplomatic relations, and beyond.
However, over the last few years, and partly in response to mounting
US pressure on Israel to reconsider its relations with China, there has
been a noticeable cooling of economic activity between the two
countries. That being said, if Israel wants to solidify its relationship
with the US while limiting the gateways China could conceivably use
to access or acquire the country’s technology and innovation in
certain dual-use domains, it must also ensure the country’s research,
intellectual property, and expert knowledge in these areas is
sufficiently protected.
Topic:
Security, Science and Technology, Bilateral Relations, Intellectual Property/Copyright, Innovation, 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
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