- Vladimir (Ze’ev) Khanin
- Paper No. 2188
The new round of Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict and the war in Ukraine both exhibit noticeable anti-Jewish aspects. However, their manifestations are not identical.
Perspectives Papers
Perspectives Papers provide analysis from BESA Center research associates and other outside experts on the most important issues pertaining to Israel and the Middle East.
- Yaakov Lappin
- Paper No. 2187
The IDF’s 23rd Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, will need to safely and swiftly maneuver through a domestic minefield without entangling the military in politics. He will likely seek to prioritize the Iranian and northern arenas over the Palestinian arenas – provided the domestic political situation allows him to do so.
- Dr. Elai Rettig
- Paper No. 2186
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has riled the energy markets of Europe and created opportunities for Israel’s energy sector that contain both risks and rewards. These opportunities include: 1) the prospect of more natural gas exploration and new LNG export projects in the Eastern Mediterranean to meet Europe’s growing demand for non-Russian gas; 2) the revival of the EAPC-UAE deal to move cheaper oil from the Gulf States to Europe through Israel; and 3) more Israeli solar and clean tech export deals to the Gulf States to help release oil and gas for export.
- Lt. Col. (res.) Dr. Shaul Bartal
- Paper No. 2185
Islamic Jihad’s efforts to degrade Israel’s security are driven by Iranian interests. Israeli decision-makers must understand the nature of the struggle with this organization and continue to take steps to prevent its becoming a significant military force in the West Bank. This must be done in order to prevent the “unity of fronts” Iran is striving to create through its proxy organizations.
- CDR. David Levy
- Paper No. 2184
Israel’s shift from USEUCOM to USCENTCOM is no less than a formal recognition of Israel as a regional heavyweight. The move has transformed the strategic landscape. Under USCENTCOM’s umbrella, the IDF is now conducting exercises with Arab militaries, opportunities in long-range air operations have emerged, efficiencies in missile defense have been created, and former adversaries are now eager to purchase Israel’s military technology. Also, the shift creates a more natural and cooperative military environment for the IDF.
- Col. (res.) Shay Shabtai
- Paper No. 2183
The current debate in Israel on a semi – constitutional reform is being carried out, as is often the case with Israeli strategic decision-making, in an improvised manner and under pressure. Better decision-making would strengthen the State of Israel and its three branches of government. Necessary factors include mutual acceptance that change is inevitable;
- Dr. Uzi Rubin
- Paper No. 2182
The United States has reportedly asked Israel to supply Ukraine with its long-retired Hawk missile defense system, despite the fact that the components of these systems are in serious disrepair and no longer operational. This request places Jerusalem in a difficult diplomatic position. While it wishes to stand with the Western bloc, it must also carefully manage its relationship with Moscow
- Dr. Alon Levkowitz
- Paper No. 2181
Japan has stated that it will broaden its defense policy, a sign of growing concerns in Tokyo about the threat of North Korean and Chinese aggression. The change of policy also reflects the continued influence of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who expanded Japan’s definition of what constitutes acts of self defense.
- Dr. George N. Tzogopoulos
- Paper No. 2180
Israel and Greece are steadily cementing their partnership. On 31 January 2023, Nikos Dendias became the first Minister of Foreign Affairs of a member state of the European Union to visit Jerusalem since the formation of the new Israeli government. Greece could be a valuable partner for Israel at the European level as long as multidimensional Israeli-European conversations progress. Greek-Israeli economic and defense cooperation is expanding in tandem,
- Col (Res.) Dr. Raphael G. Bouchnik-Chen
- Paper No. 2179
Israeli public diplomacy is often severely lacking in the face of Palestinian propaganda campaigns designed to blame Israel for collateral damage that sometimes occurs during surgical counterterrorist operations in the West Bank. In the case of several recent tragic incidents in which civilians were killed