Israel

Israel

As a strong ally in the Middle East, Israel’s domestic politics and geopolitical role are of primary concern for the United States. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has confounded one administration after the other, with various attempts at brokering a peace process falling short of success. As Israel inches closer to the east with increased economic cooperation with India and China, as well as semi-discreet displays of engagement with Gulf neighbors, Israel’s independent foreign policy and controversial domestic policies continue to shape its relationship with the United States.

Featured commentary & analysis

The Board of Peace for Gaza is not a commercial enterprise. It should stop acting like one.

Dispatches Jun 17, 2026

What the US-Iran deal means for the rest of the Middle East (and beyond)

By Atlantic Council experts

Atlantic Council experts look at the ways the memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran will affect other countries.
Conflict Economy & Business
The Board of Peace for Gaza is not a commercial enterprise. It should stop acting like one.

Dispatches Jun 10, 2026

From a gap to a chasm: Diverging US and Israeli interests in the war with Iran

By Daniel B. Shapiro

The once-modest gap between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump has widened in recent weeks.
Conflict Iran
The Board of Peace for Gaza is not a commercial enterprise. It should stop acting like one.

MENASource May 5, 2026

Dispatch from Beirut: Israel-Hezbollah talks risk falling into a failed, decades-long pattern

By Nicholas Blanford

As the war with Israel revives Hezbollah and divides Lebanon, the ongoing negotiations echo failed 1983 talks.
Conflict Israel

Programs

The Project for Middle East Integration is dedicated to advancing US interests by strengthening relations and trade among key partners and allies in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

Learn more

Learn more about the Middle East programs

Middle East Programs

Working with our allies and partners in Europe and the wider Middle East to protect US interests, build peace and security, and unlock the human potential of the region.

EXPLORE THE ATLANTIC COUNCIL’S MIDDLE EAST PROGRAMS

Content

MENASource

Oct 28, 2026

The Board of Peace for Gaza is not a commercial enterprise. It should stop acting like one.

By Miroslav M. Zafirov

The Board of Peace is missing the infrastructure, funding, and security guarantees it needs to make progress on its mission.

Conflict Israel

Fast Thinking

Oct 28, 2026

How the Israeli election deadlock could end 

By Atlantic Council

The path ahead for either candidate in Israel's election to form a working coalition is uncertain. We polled our experts on what comes next.

Elections Israel

Dispatches

Oct 26, 2026

Some reasons for hope in Israel’s sharply divided election

By Thomas S. Warrick

Regardless of the outcome, the end of campaigning could open chances for diplomacy that were previously closed.

Elections Israel

Dispatches

Oct 23, 2026

What’s at stake in Israel’s first elections since the October 7 attacks?

By Daniel B. Shapiro, Cleary Waldo

An unclear outcome for Netanyahu or opponents could lead to prolonged coalition negotiations or even more elections.

Elections Israel

Dispatches

Oct 22, 2026

The US-Israel relationship needs a reset. Here’s how to do it.

By Dror Shalom

A new Israeli government could offer a chance to reset strained relations with Washington.

Israel Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Oct 8, 2026

Israel and Turkey are not natural rivals. It’s time to stop treating them that way. 

By Alissa Pavia

The West should find ways of managing rather than entrenching both countries further into this competition.

Conflict Geopolitics & Energy Security

In the News

Oct 7, 2026

Charai for Newsmax: Wage War on Terrorism Within: Follow the Money, Share Intelligence

By Atlantic Council

Financial Crimes & Illicit Trade Israel

Dispatches

Oct 6, 2026

Three years after October 7, Israel is facing inward

By Daniel B. Shapiro

A foiled flydubai attack has revived the sense of abandonment many Israelis felt almost exactly three years earlier.

Elections Israel

MENASource

Aug 11, 2026

Israel cannot afford to miss the IMEC moment

By Samantha Sutton

For the next Israeli government, the economic gains of investing in the corridor are worth the political costs.

Israel Middle East

Testimony

Aug 4, 2026

Daniel B. Shapiro testifies to House Foreign Affairs Committee on wartime prospects for regional integration

By Daniel B. Shapiro

Shapiro testified to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa at a hearing titled, “Building a New Regional Security Architecture: The Next Phase of the Abraham Accords."

Israel Middle East
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Experts

Fellow

Ahmed F. Alkhatib

Resident Senior Fellow, Realign for Palestine

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Realign For Palestine

Arabic Conflict

Fellow

Amir Asmar

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Intelligence Israel

Fellow

Alia Brahimi

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Arabic English

Fellow

Danny Citrinowicz  

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Arabic Cybersecurity

Fellow

Ariel Cohen

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Eurasia Center

Central Asia Politics & Diplomacy

Fellow

Jonathan R. Cohen

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Greece Iraq
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