Israel

Israeli Options for Direct Attacks on Iranian Nuclear Sites

Ehud Eilam

The Israeli government sees Iran’s nuclear programme as an existential threat. The Biden administration is attempting to re-open negotiations, but if these fail and Iran tries to produce a nuclear weapon then Israel might attempt to bomb Iranian nuclear sites. US supplies of new bombs and the B-52 bomber would be critical to any prospects of success.

Key Middle East Influencers on US Iran Policy and the Implications for the UK

Sanam Vakil

Israel, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Iraq will be looking to influence the Biden administration’s Iran policy. Maintaining access to and engagement with these influencers will be important for the UK’s regional ties.

The Limits of European Power? The Abraham Accords, Their Halting of Israel’s Annexation Plans and the European Response

Juliana Suess

The agreement between Israel, the UAE and Bahrain has created some diplomatic respite which the Europeans may be able to use to revive discussions about the fate of a future Palestinian state.

Israel and the Gulf States: Normalisation and Lingering Challenges

Michael Stephens

The normalisation of Israel’s relations with the UAE and Bahrain is significant, but incomplete without addressing Israel’s relationship with Saudi Arabia.

Europe and the Coronavirus Pandemic in the Middle East

Tobias Borck

The pandemic preoccupies Europe. But the continent should not lose sight of potential new crises in the Middle East.

""It’s election season, a lot can get said and he doesn’t lose anything. He’s not under pressure from the U.S. It’s a very permissive administration,” said Michael Stephens, a research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, a London-based think tank. “It’s good a regional climate as well as a lot of gulf Arabs are distracted with instability within themselves or Iran or Yemen. They don’t really have the energy to dedicate toward the Palestinian issue, especially if it hurts their relationship with the U.S.,” he added. "

Emboldened by Trump, an embattled Netanyahu pledges radical annexation move