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    Dr. Yoel Guzansky is a senior researcher and head of the Gulf Program at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) and a non-resident Scholar at the Middle East Institute in Washington, D.C.

    Dr. Guzansky coordinated Iran and Gulf affairs at the National Security Council in the Prime Minister's Office. He served under four National Security Advisors and three Prime Ministers. Additionally, he has advised various government ministries, including the Ministry of Strategic Affairs and the Ministry of Intelligence.

    His research focuses on Gulf politics & security, and includes strategic issues in the Middle East, such as regime stability and nuclear proliferation. Dr. Guzansky has been a visiting fellow at Stanford University, an Israel Institute fellow, and a Fulbright Scholar.

    Dr. Guzansky contributes articles to numerous newspapers in Israel, having previously been a columnist for Maariv and currently writing regularly for Yedioth Ahronoth.

    He is a frequent participant in international conferences, writes for international research institutes, and publishes in leading international journals. Dr. Guzansky has published 700 articles, policy papers, book chapters, and academic articles, and has written, co-authored, and edited 13 books and memoranda.

    Yoel Guzansky
    Yoel Guzansky
    Senior Researcher
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    yoelg@inss.org.il
    03-640-0461
    Memoranda
    Israel in the Red Sea Arena: An Updated Maritime Strategy
    In the Red Sea region, significant geo-strategic processes have unfolded over the past decade, manifested in political, security, economic, and technological shifts. This area—stretching between the Middle East in the north, the Arabian Peninsula to the east, the Horn of Africa to the south, and East Africa to the west—has become a focal point of both global and regional power struggles. At the same time, it has also generated opportunities for complex civilian and security cooperation. These developments present Israel with a significant opportunity to leverage its geo-strategic assets in order to strengthen its status and expand its influence on its surroundings. In recent years, there has been a global resurgence of attention to maritime domains, which have once again taken center stage due to their centrality in major conflicts now unfolding around the world. This renewed focus highlights the vital importance of the maritime sphere to the global economy and its role as an arena where the ability to operate effectively is essential to the great powers, nations, and organizations. Israel is currently facing the need to formulate a security concept that takes into account the transformations and shifts shaping the entire region in the wake of the Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023, and the ongoing multi-arena campaign. As part of this effort, Israel should also address the maritime domain. This memorandum offers insights and ideas aimed at broadening the understanding of the opportunities and challenges of the Red Sea region and assisting in incorporating this arena into Israel’s updated national security concept.
    10 December, 2025
    INSS Insight
    The Washington–Riyadh Axis: The Alliance Shaping the Middle East and the Challenge for Israel
    What are the implications of the Saudi crown prince’s historic visit to Washington, both for Saudi Arabia and for the United States, and what risks and opportunities does it create for Israel?
    27 November, 2025
    INSS Insight
    Gulf Involvement in Africa: Motives and Implications
    The growing involvement of the Gulf states in Africa: interests, opportunities, and implications for the region and for Israel
    11 November, 2025
    INSS Insight
    Regional Involvement in the Gaza Strip: Scenarios and Implications
    The differing positions and interests of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Turkey regarding the shaping of the Gaza Strip—and their implications
    4 November, 2025
    INSS Insight
    The Saudi–Pakistani Agreement: A Signal to Rivals and a Reminder to the United States
    How will the new security agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan affect the balance of power in the Middle East?
    15 October, 2025
    Strategic Assessment
    The UAE as a Leading Force in the Arab World