Meir Ben-Shabbat: There is a difference between difficult conditions that emerge from a lengthy war and intentional starving on Israel’s part. If Hamas will release the hostages and disarm, the …
Israeli grand strategy, superpower relations, Abraham Accords, Palestinian-Israeli relations, internal security and governance
Head of the Misgav Institute for National Security & Zionist Strategy. Served as Israel’s national security advisor and head of the National Security Council between 2017 and 2021 and played a key role in negotiating the Abraham Accords. Prior to that he served for 30 years in the Israel Security Agency (the Shin Bet), heading three divisions: Counter Terrorism, Cyber Defense, and the Southern Command. Was awarded the US Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service.
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Hamas currently believes the momentum is in its favor and is hardening its positions. Advancing a voluntary migration plan would pressure the terrorist organization and also address allegations of starvation in Gaza. On the ground, it’s possible to shift the situation without increasing risk to Israeli troops.
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Meir Ben Shabbat: The events in Syria provided the whole world with an opportunity to see again what Jolani’s [Ahmed al-Sharaa] ‘base’ looks like. This does not mean that Israel …
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The high-stakes diplomatic encounter comes as Trump seeks to capitalize on military victory against Iran’s nuclear program to accelerate Middle East peace processes, creating both extraordinary opportunities and complex challenges for Israel’s long-term security interests.
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Meir Ben-Shabbat: Israel faces a delicate decision. If it focuses solely on threats, it risks missing a rare opportunity to reshape the reality along its northern border. On the other …
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Meir Ben Shabbat: The choice is not simply hostage release versus ending the war, but rather hostage release versus preserving Hamas. This is the implication of an overall deal for …