Middle East and North Africa

Israel

Israel’s War on Hamas: What to Know
Israel will seek to eliminate the threat posed by the Palestinian militant group for good, but its campaign in Gaza could draw in other adversaries, including Hezbollah and al-Qaeda. 

In Brief by Bruce Hoffman Oct 9, 2023

What Is Hamas?
The Palestinian militant group struggled to govern the Gaza Strip before launching a surprise attack on Israel in 2023. Now facing Israel’s military campaign to destroy it, Hamas’s future is in doubt, as is Gaza’s.

Backgrounder by Kali Robinson Apr 18, 2024

Modi’s Statement and the India-Israel Relationship
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement condemning Hamas and offering support for Israel amidst the recent crisis illustrates that ties between the two nations have changed dramatically in the last two decades.

Blog Post by Manjari Chatterjee Miller Oct 9, 2023

Iran’s Support Against Israel Bolsters Hamas
Iran has greeted the attack by Palestinian militant forces on Israel and with its backing of Hamas and Hezbollah has been working to coordinate pressure on Israel, threatening further escalation of the shadow war between the two countries.

In Brief by Ray Takeyh Oct 8, 2023

Surprise Palestinian Attack Spawns Fears of Wider Mideast War
The shocking assault by Gaza militants on Israel will trigger massive retaliation from Israeli forces and likely have region-wide security repercussions.

In Brief by Steven A. Cook Oct 7, 2023

  • Israel
    Virtual Media Briefing: Hamas Attacks on Israel
    Play
    After the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched attacks from Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared today that Israel is “at war.” Experts from the Council on Foreign Relations will discuss the implications of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for Israeli-Arab normalization and U.S. policy and interest in the Middle East. Please note the video and transcript of this meeting will be posted on the CFR website.   
    Virtual Event by Steven A. Cook , Martin S. Indyk , Ray Takeyh , Michael Froman and Michael Froman October 7, 2023 Middle East Program
  • Israel
    The October 1973 Yom Kippur War: Fifty Years Later
    Fifty years ago, on Yom Kippur, October 6, 1973, Egypt and Syria launched surprise attacks on Israel. The resulting conflict sparked an Arab oil embargo, a superpower confrontation, a global recession, and an Arab-Israeli peace process. Its repercussions are still felt today. This joint symposium between CFR and the Institute for National Security Studies (Israel) will bring together American, Israeli, and Arab experts to discuss the war’s lasting impacts on the Middle East and U.S. regional interests. Speakers include Ehud Barak, Henry Kissinger, Nabil Fahmy, Tom Friedman, Dorit Beinisch, and Richard Haass, among many others. 
    Virtual Event by Ehud Barak, Dorit Beinisch, Nabil Fahmy, Thomas L. Friedman, Richard Haass , Tamir Hayman, Henry A. Kissinger, William B. Quandt, Itamar Rabinovich, Khalil Shikaki, Manuel Trajtenberg, Martin S. Indyk , Elise Labott, Andrea Mitchell, Carla Anne Robbins and Gideon Rose October 5, 2023 Middle East Program
  • Egypt
    October War Legacy Fades in Troubled Modern Egypt
    Half a century later, Egypt regards its brief war with Israel as an important military milestone that initially bolstered its leaders, though in recent years, Egypt has weakened under repressive, ineffective rule.
    In Brief by Steven A. Cook October 3, 2023 Middle East Program