Moderator: Dr. Anat Kurz
Ideas on the Region from Mr. David Schenker and Mr. Zohar Palti
One of the recurring ideas regarding hopes for the region in the next five years, with the idea of making the region more stable, more prosperous, and a home to more satisfied populations, is the need for ongoing, close coordination between the US and Israel. The value of this relationship cannot be overstated. The containment of Iran is a major element, and there is a need to curb aggressive behavior from China and Russia. Mr. Schenker emphasized that the United States is not leaving the Middle East – the US is in the region to stay, and better coalitions allow better engagement with threats. Therefore, it will continue to reach out and work with coalition partners. One possible area where US and Israeli interests may diverge is regarding China, and it is important to resolve this. For Israel, stated Mr. Palti, it is of the utmost importance and urgency to maintain and enhance relations with Egypt and Jordanian. It is very important to undermine the Shiite threat. This must be predicated on maintaining string security organizations in Israel.