Analysis & Commentary

Trump’s Middle East Plan Forces ‘Reality’ on Palestinians, But Meets Their Needs

The Hill - Tuesday, February 4, 2020 by Sander Gerber and

For 20 years, ever since the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat responded to a generous peace offer from then Israeli prime minister Ehud Barak by launching a terrorist war, the Israeli-Palestinian dispute has been at an impasse. Multiple Israeli leaders over…

How to Limit Iranian Freedom of Action

Washington Examiner - Friday, January 31, 2020 by IDF Col. (ret.) Itai Shapira and

Iran’s threat toward U.S. assets and allies in the Middle East, such as Israel or Saudi Arabia, has greatly increased due to its successful development of precision-guided munitions, or PGM. Tehran’s capability to accurately strike targets many miles outside its…

Drone Strike Spillover: Why the Assassination of Suleimani Could Create a Crisis for Israel

The National Interest - Friday, January 31, 2020 by IDF Col. (ret.) Itai Shapira and

The chances of military escalation between Israel and Iran have steadily risen in recent months. Israel has struck Iranian targets in Syria and Iraq; Iran has retaliated, and Russia has done little to actively minimize Iranian presence in Syria while…

Escalation and Deterrence in Syria

Real Clear Defense - Wednesday, January 15, 2020 by IDF Col. (ret.) Itai Shapira and

The chances of military escalation between Israel and Iran have steadily risen in recent months. Israel has struck Iranian targets in Syria and Iraq; Iran has retaliated, and Russia has done little to actively minimize Iranian presence in Syria while…