Publications

In an effort to advance normalization with Israel, Saudi Arabia faces muted but significant public opposition, which has been exacerbated following the war in Gaza. The popular rejection takes many forms: There is a religious dimension, which views a peace with Israel as contrary to Islamic law; a pro-Palestinian dimension, which regards opposition to normalization as a demonstration of support for the Palestinians; and a liberal perspective, which cautions that ties with Israel could empower the Saudi regime to further violate human...

One of the challenges that Israel faces when it comes to formulating strategy – regarding both the war and the “day after” – is its policy toward Qatar. While the connection between Qatar and Hamas harms Israel’s fundamental interests, Qatar, thanks to this very connection, serves other Israeli interests and may well play a role in the reconstruction of Gaza after the war. Israel must examine its ties with Qatar and create effective leverage – direct and indirect – and in any event,  prepare to deal with the Qatari dilemma after the...

With the exception of Qatar, the Gulf states share the goal of ending Hamas’s control of the Gaza Strip, weakening the Iranian-led axis, and dealing a blow to Muslim Brotherhood ideology. However, their main priority is to safeguard the regional detente achieved in recent years, especially vis-à-vis Iran. Therefore, the risks that a regional conflict entail could propel them to prefer a quick end to the conflict over the benefit that could accrue from defeating Hamas. Regarding “the day after,” it is possible they would be willing to...

The policy of the Israeli government in the Palestinian arena and domestic pressure on the Royal House of Bahrain challenge realization of the potential of the bilateral relations. Bahrain’s benefit from the normalization does not live up to the expectations, at least in the economic aspect. Therefore, if this has not already occurred, contacts are likely to stagnate.

The resilience of the Abraham Accords is challenged by policies of the Israeli government and the escalating violence in the Palestinian arena. The countries that signed agreements with Israel have an interest in upholding them, in parallel with developments in the Palestinian arena, in the expectation that the Israel will restore calm and stability. However, continued escalation has already drawn some of them, partly of necessity, to pay closer attention to Israeli policy toward the Palestinians, particularly in the Ramadan period....