Publications

The main foreign policy issue that has preoccupied Egypt recently has been the war in the Gaza Strip. Egypt’s policy toward the war in particular, and toward Israel in general, should be assessed in light of two central factors: first, the prolonged war and its severe consequences in the Gaza Strip—an area that directly borders Egypt; and second, the war’s contribution to the growing prominence of the Palestinian issue on Egypt’s national agenda, which resonates deeply within Egyptian public opinion. In this sense, this current...

The concept of victory has become increasingly politicized, particularly the notion of an “absolute victory.” At the same time, the term “decisive defeat” is widely used but rarely defined with precision. This article examines the concept of victory through a professional, military-strategic lens, differentiating it from decisive defeat. The distinction is essential for understanding Israel’s achievements in the war against Hamas and for framing public expectations, especially regarding scenarios in which Hamas may continue to exist...

The United States is determined to advance the implementation of President Donald Trump’s framework to end the war and reshape the Gaza Strip without Hamas, and with the area demilitarized of military and terrorist capabilities. The gap between the strategic objective and the challenges of implementation indicates that the success of the framework will require coercive and sustained American involvement, close coordination with Israel, and persuasive US efforts to convince moderate Arab states to take an active role in stabilizing,...

Following two tumultuous years—one of the most significant  periods in the history of the State of Israel– this paper offers a preliminary assessment of the far-reaching changes brought about by the Swords of Iron War. While it is too early to fully analyze its consequences, and the war’s end remains uncertain, an interim evaluation is required. Even if fighting resumes, it will unfold under different circumstances, shaped by the lessons created by the war.  This paper reviews and analyzes the key developments of the war,...

The agreement that has been reached is a tremendous achievement for Israel. It includes what Hamas had refused until now: the immediate release of all the hostages, thereby relinquishing its principal bargaining chip before the IDF withdraws from the Gaza Strip, and a demilitarization clause that appears in the agreement—even if Hamas avoided formally accepting it. For Hamas, this clause is a double-edged sword: If it complies, it loses; if it does not, it will face political and military attacks for violating the agreement, without...

Since the outbreak of the war in Gaza, the Institute for National Security Studies has been regularly conducting public opinion surveys to assess attitudes toward key national security issues, national resilience, and public trust.[1] Click here to download the complete survey data | Click here to view the trends among the Jewish public  | Click here to view the trends among the Arab public Key Findings The IDF and the military echelon continue to enjoy high levels of public trust, while trust in the political echelon...

The future of the Trump Plan regarding the “day after” in the Gaza Strip is ambiguous and fragile. The first phase of the plan has been implemented only partially (the return of all living hostages and some of the deceased, and the implementation of IDF deployment arrangements within an expanded security perimeter—the Yellow Line), while Hamas retains control in the heart of the cities, acts to suppress any expression of opposition to its rule, and violates the agreement by dragging its feet on releasing the remaining deceased...

This interactive map illustrates the IDF withdrawal line (the “Yellow Line”), major Hamas violations, and the local factions and clans currently clashing with Hamas. The platform includes a range of interactive tools, such as switchable basemaps, drawing and annotation, distance and area measurements, as well as map-sharing functions. The map is updated regularly and reflects the most accurate information available, based on open-source intelligence (OSINT) and media reporting.

The Data Analytics Center at the INSS provides accurate and updated data during the Swords of Iron War

This survey examines social and political issues and attitudes among the Palestinian public in the West Bank, against the backdrop of the events of October 7, 2023, and the Swords of Iron War. It is a unique survey focusing on the West Bank during wartime and provides an up-to-date snapshot of Palestinian public perceptions. The report presents an initial analysis of public opinion and highlights the challenges and opportunities facing Israelis and Palestinians. Click here to download the full survey data | For the survey results in...

Since the outbreak of the war in Gaza, the Institute for National Security Studies has been regularly conducting public opinion surveys to assess attitudes toward key national security issues, national resilience, and public trust.[1] Click here to download the complete survey data |  To the survey results in Arabic - نتائج الاستطلاع باللغة العربية | Click here to view the trends among the Jewish public  | Click here to view the trends among the Arab public Key Findings Nearly two years into the war in Gaza, most...

President Trump’s initiative for the Gaza Strip, which received the support of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and of Arab states, represents an important attempt both to break the deadlock in which Israel has found itself in its war against Hamas and to move from a bilateral confrontation framework to a multilateral process involving the United States and Arab states. The initiative also signals a welcome intention to integrate political and military efforts—through the reconstruction of the Strip and the cultivation of a...