Israeli foreign policy
On the Eve of the Six-Day WarForty-five years ago today, on June 4, 1967, Israel and the Jewish world were in suspense. Today, we recall the Six-Day War as a stunning martial victory by the Jewish state; but on the war's eve, this outcome was wholly unforeseeable. Indeed, the odds appeared firmly stacked against Israel.
Editors' Picks
Israel All at Sea Ehud Eiran, Yuval Zur, Foreign Affairs. "As a small country hemmed in by adversaries on all of its land borders, Israel should realize that its security and economic prosperity are intrinsically and directly linked to the open seas."
Losing Washington's Attention George Friedman, Stratfor Global Intelligence. Focused on the domestic economy, the United States has lost interest in the Middle East. And, facing external threats beyond its control, Israel has followed suit.
No More Laboring Under Illusions Yossi Klein Halevi, Jerusalem Post. Labor politicians' focus on domestic issues in the run-up to the Israeli elections reflects their recognition that their foreign policy agenda—the peace process—is dead.
Bibi’s Losing Bet , Daniel Gordis. If Obama wins an increasingly likely second term, the Israeli prime minister will come to regret his public support of Mitt Romney—and Israel will suffer as a result.
Israel, America, and the Lessons of 9/11 Abe Greenwald, Jewish Ideas Daily. A reminder: After September 11, America placed long-term foreign policy bets on democracy in the Middle East. But for Israel, there is no such thing as long-term foreign policy.
The Element of Surprise Dan Williams, Reuters. The Israelis may have invented the world’s cleverest means of disguising their Iran strategy: a public discussion so cacophonous that no one has a clue about what they might do.
Danger from Damascus Itamar Rabinovich, Guardian. Israel’s delicate balancing act with Syria has been calculated to avoid bolstering the Assad regime, which was hostile in control and may be even more so as it collapses.