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

UAE-Israel accord will drive economic growth in the Middle East, says Emirati Minister of Economy

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
UAE-Israel accord will drive economic growth in the Middle East, says Emirati Minister of Economy

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
UAE-Israel accord will drive economic growth in the Middle East, says Emirati Minister of Economy

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

Sep 18, 2020

UAE-Israel accord will drive economic growth in the Middle East, says Emirati Minister of Economy

By Lucy Grathwohl

On September 16 empowerME Director Amjad Ahmad and Al Mari discussed how the historic signing of the Abraham Accords will facilitate the UAE and Israel to open their economies.

Economy & Business Israel

MENASource

Sep 18, 2020

From Netanyahu’s plane to White House Lawn: Behind the scenes of the Israel-Gulf deal

By Jonathan H. Ferziger

The shrouds have been lifted with the signing of the Abraham Accords between Israel, the United Emirates, and Bahrain, and deals are proliferating.

Israel Middle East

In the News

Sep 16, 2020

Ferziger in Foreign Policy: For Netanyahu, Normalization Deals Are a Long-Awaited Vindication
Israel Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding

In the News

Sep 16, 2020

Charai in The Hill: Abraham Accords: New hope for peace in Middle East

By Atlantic Council

Though some in Arab countries fear that signing a peace agreement with Israel will threaten the prospects for a two-state solution, the Abraham Accords could mark a major turning point in the Middle East. And, Atlantic Council Board Director Ahmed Charai argues, could present an opportunity for both Israelis and Palestinians to see increased security, economic opportunity, and hope. Read Atlantic Council Board Director Ahmed Charai's latest in The Hill on the potential for peace in the Middle East as a result of the Abraham Accords.

Israel Middle East

New Atlanticist

Sep 15, 2020

Mike Pompeo: ‘The tide has turned’ on global perceptions of Chinese threat

By David A. Wemer

Years of US campaigning against China’s unfair economic practices and aggressive diplomacy, coupled with the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, has “awakened” the world to the threat Beijing poses to international security and the global economy, according to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

China Coronavirus

In the News

Sep 11, 2020

Fontenrose quoted in The Guardian on Israel-Bahrain normalization
Israel Middle East

In the News

Sep 11, 2020

Wechsler quoted in AFP on Israel-Bahrain normalization
Israel Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding

In the News

Sep 11, 2020

Fontenrose quoted in the New York Times on Israel-Bahrain normalization
Israel Middle East

In the News

Sep 11, 2020

Wechsler quoted in USA TODAY on Israel-Bahrain normalization
Israel Middle East

MENASource

Sep 11, 2020

Experts react: US brokers another deal in Middle East with Israel and Bahrain

By William F. Wechsler, Kirsten Fontenrose, Marc J. Sievers, Jonathan H. Ferziger, Barbara Slavin, Carmiel Mahony, Michel Duclos, Richard LeBaron, Mark N. Katz, Thomas S. Warrick, Sina Azodi, Joze Pelayo

Atlantic Council experts react to Bahrain agreement to normalize ties with Israel and what it means for the wider region.

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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