The announcement by the United States that notwithstanding the opposition by the international community it was renewing the UN Security Council sanctions canceled following the nuclear agreement has brought the administration’s policy of maximum pressure on Iran to a new height. Barring a development that alters the dynamic between the United States and Iran – an “October surprise” – the parties are now awaiting the outcome of the US presidential elections. Meanwhile, Iran continues to push ahead with its nuclear...
The Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) held a Cabinet meeting to analyze the peace and normalization agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Researchers focused on the background to the agreement and its implications for Israel and the Middle East. Participants addressed several questions, among them: What is included in the agreement, and what was omitted? Which objectives of the Trump administration propelled the Accords? Why was the UAE in such a hurry to sign the agreement at this time? What...
Concern that a president could be elected in part due to the influence of a foreign country has made combating such intervention in the campaign a top priority for the American intelligence community. However, the specific counterintelligence challenge is difficult and politically sensitive. One of the ways that the US intelligence community has chosen to deal with this danger is by increasing the public’s awareness of foreign attempts to exert influence. As part of this effort, announcements have been issued citing certain...
Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi is trying to block further internal and economic deterioration in his country, while maneuvering between Iran and the United States, which have turned Iraq into a theater of struggle between them. Al-Kadhimi recently embarked on political journeys to Tehran and Washington for talks on the US efforts to allow Iraq to attain energy independence. The series of economic agreements that al-Kadhimi signed during these visits, together with other steps he took, including in the regional sphere,...
As the US presidential election nears, Iranian interest has risen as to the possible ramifications for the future of the nuclear deal. Recently there have been mounting Iranian calls to lower expectations, contending that there is no substantive difference in the Democratic and Republican positions on Iran, and that the developments since the United States withdrew from the deal might challenge its potential renewal. While these voices can be explained in part as a tactical step designed to improve Tehran’s bargaining position...
On August 13, 2020, a significant breakthrough between Israel and the United Arab Emirates was announced on the road to the establishment of full relations. The agreement, under the auspices of the United States, is an important reinforcement for the moderate pragmatic camp in the region against Iran and both Shiite and Sunni radicals. Vis-à-vis the Palestinians, the agreement removes the issue of unilateral annexation from the agenda, and improves opening conditions for negotiations and a future arrangement.
If Joe Biden is elected President in November, what will be his administration’s approach vis-à-vis China? And how might it affect Israel’s ability to navigate the tension between the two great powers? The Democratic Party platform for 2020 provides an insight into these questions. The platform’s language suggests that notwithstanding transition, Washington will continue the current tough stance on Beijing. At the same time, the Democrats vow to take a more nuanced and multilateral approach, taking into consideration not only US...
The rejection by the Security Council of a US draft resolution to extend the embargo on arms sales to Iran, scheduled to expire on October 18, 2020, is evidence of the administration’s isolation, which is largely a result of the displeasure with its unilateral steps and the deep rift with its traditional allies in Europe. The administration now intends to demand that the Council invoke a clause for a snapback of all sanctions and curbs that were previously imposed on Iran and lifted after the nuclear agreement was reached....
The defense industries are one of the cornerstones of Israel’s security. They were born of an understanding that Israel could not rely on external sources for procurement of needed materials and systems. Local production goes hand in hand with research and development in Israel, enabling the tailoring of unique weapons systems to the IDF’s changing needs, giving it advantages on the battlefield.
The IDF is widely seen as the defense industries’ central customer, and its use of the industries’ products enhances their reputation when...
In January 2020, the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) hosted its 13th Annual International Conference. Entitled “Strategic Assessment for Israel: A Look at the Coming Decade,” the conference included discussions, simulations, and lectures on strategic issues important to Israel’s national security. The conference was attended by decision makers, opinion leaders, and leading researchers from Israel and abroad. We invite you to read the digital version of the booklet that summarizes the conference...
On July 20, 2020 the American oil giant Chevron Corporation announced its acquisition of Noble Energy, also an American company, which is a partner in the consortium that owns the Leviathan natural gas field, the site of two-thirds of Israel’s natural gas reserves. The official announcement of the acquisition states that Chevron was acquiring profitable assets in Israeli waters and strengthening its status in the Eastern Mediterranean Basin. The involvement of a large US corporation like Chevron will raise Israel’s standing in the...
The United States is intensifying its pressure on allies not to install Chinese 5G communications infrastructure and may punish those that ignore its warning. At the same time, Huawei is at the center of political turmoil around the world, and some cellular providers have chosen Western alternatives rather than waiting for decisions by their governments about the use of Chinese technology. Although the Israeli government has not made any official pronouncement on this matter, the likelihood that Israeli 5G infrastructure will include...
