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

LeBaron Quoted in Newsweek on Gaza March and Conflict in 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

LeBaron Quoted in Newsweek on Gaza March and Conflict in 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

LeBaron Quoted in Newsweek on Gaza March and Conflict in 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

In the News

Mar 28, 2018

LeBaron Quoted in Newsweek on Gaza March and Conflict in Israel

By Richard LeBaron

Read the full article here

Israel

In the News

Mar 22, 2018

Itani Quoted in The Christine Science Monitor on Israel and Lebanese Organization

By Faysal Itani

Read the full article here

Israel

New Atlanticist

Mar 22, 2018

A Renewed Foresight in Middle Eastern Diplomacy: India’s Role at the Table

By Rachel Brandenburg and Bharath Gopalaswamy

Recent aviation agreements connecting Saudi Arabia, India, and Israel signal potential openness toward improving relations in light of growing geopolitical and security concerns. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on March 7 that Saudi Arabia granted permission to Air India to use Saudi airspace for direct flights from Delhi to Tel Aviv, affirming allegations leaked in Israeli […]

India Israel

MENASource

Mar 8, 2018

The ongoing Israel-Iran proxy war in Syria

By Mona Alami

The next Israeli confrontation with its neighbors will be markedly different from its previous encounters. Recent military escalation in Syria that resulted in the downing of an Israeli F16 in February, points to new trends that could shape future conflict between Israel and Iran. On February 10, an Iranian drone penetrated Israeli airspace from Syria. […]

Iran Israel

Event Recap

Mar 7, 2018

Israeli regional security and CT director briefs African ambassadors

By Africa Center

On Wednesday, March 7, the Atlantic Council’s Africa Center hosted a roundtable for African ambassadors with Ms. Dana Benvenisti-Gabay, Director for Regional Security and Counter Terrorism at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel. Dr. J. Peter Pham, Atlantic Council vice president and Africa Center director, introduced Benvenisti-Gabay and welcomed participants. In […]

Africa English

EnergySource

Mar 6, 2018

Looming conflicts over energy resources in the Eastern Mediterranean

By David Koranyi

As the energy potential of the Eastern Mediterranean grows, so does the potential for conflict over resources. To reduce this potential, the United States and the European Union should play a more proactive role in defusing rising tensions in the region through two key channels of diplomacy. The United States and the European Union should […]

Geopolitics & Energy Security Israel

In the News

Feb 19, 2018

Shaffer Quoted in The Jerusalem Post on Israeli Gas Being Sold to Egypt

By Brenda Shaffer

Read the full article here

Israel

New Atlanticist

Jan 25, 2018

Why Trump’s Vow to Cut Off Cash to the Palestinians Could Be Dangerous

By Ashish Kumar Sen

At a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on January 25, US President Donald J. Trump suggested that he would withhold more aid from the Palestinians and that Israel “will pay” for his decision to agree upfront to recognize Jerusalem as its capital. […]

Israel

New Atlanticist

Jan 22, 2018

Mike Pence Just Said that the United States Will Open an Embassy in Jerusalem in 2019. Can That Happen?

By Ashish Kumar Sen

US Vice President Mike Pence made news in his address to the Israeli Knesset in Jerusalem on January 22 when he declared that the Trump administration would open the US Embassy in Jerusalem before the end of 2019.

Israel

New Atlanticist

Jan 18, 2018

Trump Recognized Jerusalem. Then What?

By Ashish Kumar Sen

This article is part of a series that reflects on the first year of the Trump administration. Although Trump recognized Jerusalem to be Israel’s capital, he didn’t describe it as the undivided capital of Israel. Why does this matter?

Israel
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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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