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 Biden administration can help mend ties between Turkey and Israel

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 Biden administration can help mend ties between Turkey and Israel

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 Biden administration can help mend ties between Turkey and Israel

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

Feb 10, 2021

The Biden administration can help mend ties between Turkey and Israel

By Gabriel Mitchell

After enduring a decade of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s erratic and often antagonistic behavior, it will take more than gestures to bring these two erstwhile allies back together.

Israel Middle East

In the News

Feb 5, 2021

Lipner in the Washington Post: Israelis loved Trump. They still don’t know what to make of Biden.
Democratic Transitions Elections

In the News

Feb 4, 2021

Arbit in Foreign Policy: There’s hope for Israeli-Palestinian peace
Israel Middle East

In the News

Feb 3, 2021

Ferziger joins i24 to discuss sanctions on Israeli Mining Mogul
Corruption Human Rights

MENASource

Feb 2, 2021

Israel, UAE leap ahead in vaccination drive against coronavirus

By Jonathan H. Ferziger

The efficient manner in which Israel and the UAE have acquired and administered the vaccines contrasts with what has been described as a bumbling process in the United States and some of Europe’s most advanced economies.

Israel Middle East

MENASource

Feb 1, 2021

How President Biden can tackle the Middle East’s biggest problems

By Kirsten Fontenrose, Ebtesam Al-Ketbi, and Udi Dekel

In a first project of trilateral collaboration, the directors and strategists from leading think tanks in the US, the UAE, and Israel have submitted nine recommendations on issues that deserve priority treatment from the new administration.

Israel Middle East

In the News

Jan 25, 2021

Ferziger in Foreign Policy: Israel’s Arabs May Help Netanyahu Avoid Trump’s Miserable Fate
Israel Middle East

In the News

Jan 19, 2021

Lipner quoted in the New York Times on Biden’s US-Israel policy
Democratic Transitions Israel

In the News

Jan 4, 2021

Lipner quoted in Plus61J Media on the the clash of civilizations between the Israeli right and left
Democratic Transitions Israel

In the News

Dec 24, 2020

Charai in the National Interest: Why Israel and Morocco are ushering in a new era of peace

By Atlantic Council

During a recent visit to Morocco, Israeli national security advisor Meir Ben-Shabbat did something highly symbolic: he expressed his allegiance to King Mohammed VI in Moroccan Arabic, demonstrating his own ties to the country as well as the greater history between the two nations. This is a historical moment, says Atlantic Council Board Director Ahmed Charai, which will mark a turn towards greater peace between Morocco and Israel and a return to the tolerance reflected in Morocco's history.

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 Civil Society

Fellow

Danny Citrinowicz  

Nonresident Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

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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