Publications

The international arena has been marked by upheaval since President Donald Trump entered the White House, and policies and measures adopted by the US administration in 2018 have exacerbated the tension. In response, the other key international players, particularly Russia, European countries, and China, have had to adjust their policies to ensure that the unfolding dynamic does not damage their interests. These developments have directly affected the behavior of the international actors in the Middle East, and shaped the global standing of the United States. In turn, the emergent international situation impacts on the relations among the various countries and between them and Israel. It affects Israel’s strategic interests, its resilience, and its maneuvering ability as it devises ways to cope with the challenges before it.

This essay assesses the direct and indirect impact of events in the international arena on the complex matrix of Israeli interests, and the possible implications of expected future developments in 2019.