Publications

The talks that began in April 2025 between Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and the US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff—with Oman’s mediation—are bringing Iran, the United States, and Israel closer to critical moments regarding the future of Iran’s nuclear program. The results of the negotiations will largely determine whether the direction will be toward a political-diplomatic settlement on the nuclear issue or toward a military strike (Israeli, American, or joint) against Iran’s nuclear facilities. At this...

Israel faces three possible strategic paths to achieving the objectives of the war: the occupation of the Gaza Strip and the imposition of a military administration; a siege on the Strip, in which Hamas is weakened and deterred; or an agreement to discuss the Arab proposal for the reconstruction and stabilization of the Strip and the establishment of an alternative governing authority. Of these three, the diplomatic path—discussing the Arab proposal—is the only option that could advance the war’s objectives at a relatively low cost....

“Trumpism” is a disruptive strategy that creates both opportunities and risks by challenging fundamental assumptions. This disruption drives change, and its sophisticated exploitation should inform the development of new policies that could benefit Israel and the region. To some extent, the phenomenon of Trumpism is a response to the challenges facing liberal democracy and reflects public frustration with radical progressive policies. In the Middle East, this approach could open avenues for shaping a new regional order, strengthening...

Contemporary Israel, probably more than ever before, requires a widely accepted national security doctrine—grounded in the values of Israel’s Declaration of Independence. Its overarching objectives are to ensure Israel’s security, prosperity, and Jewish-democratic character, with a firm Jewish majority and defensible, recognized borders

Beyond the immediate risk of releasing terrorists from Israeli prisons and allowing residents and Hamas militants to return to northern Gaza, the State of Israel is now facing a weighty challenge: preventing Hamas from rebuilding its strength amidst the destruction in Gaza during the current ceasefire. Israel must develop a robust contingency plan that will help mitigate risks if the ceasefire collapses or the hostage release plan is not fully implemented.

A series of operational successes provides Israel with the ideal opportunity to closely consider its exit strategy. Now, with these achievements accumulating, it is the right time to examine the question of ending the military campaign and securing its diplomatic benefits to improve Israel’s national security in every respect. In recent weeks, Israel has achieved a series of successes, particularly on the northern front and in the Gaza Strip. Some of these achievements can be attributed to chance, such as the elimination of Hamas...

Israel should maintain its traditional position of opposing the establishment of an independent nuclear fuel cycle in Saudi Arabia, given the negative strategic ramifications of such a move. Specifically, Israel should insist on applying the nuclear “gold standard,” as was the case with the United Arab Emirates. However, if the idea of Saudi Arabia obtaining the capability to enrich its uranium is acceptable to the Americans and if Israel has already given a green light to the move, in part as a step toward normalization of relations...

In spite of the severe damage it has sustained, Hamas is expected to recruit more terrorists to replenish its ranks. The Israeli leadership is still debating whether to make a decision—the decision that will effectively determine the fate of the war, after some eight months. But against this background, critical questions are already emerging: What are the advantages and disadvantages of an Israeli military administration in Gaza? What are the implications of this scenario for the capabilities of the IDF? And what is the significance...

In recent weeks there have been reports of contacts between the United States and Iran to formulate a framework of understandings, whereby Tehran will agree to certain restrictions on its nuclear program and release Americans detained in Iran. In exchange, some of the sanctions will be eased, including the release of Iranian funds frozen overseas. If these understandings materialize, Iran will enjoy a considerable financial benefit and will also be able to retain the fissile material it has accumulated. For the United States, these...

IDF Central Command is responsible for the ongoing campaign in a unique, complex reality in which it has both military control of territory and control over a population – an Israeli population alongside a Palestinian population with nationalist aspirations. The Command has successfully maintained control over the West Bank for the past 56 years, while aiming to preserve long-term stability through three wssential enabling principles: it is the sovereign with a systemic approach to the theater; it takes a force application approach...