Israel and the Palestinian Territories
For over seven decades, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict — and its broader regional reverberations — has shaped Middle East politics and impacted U.S. interests in the region. Hamas’ unprecedented terror attack on October 7, 2023, the Israeli military response in Gaza and the implications for neighboring Jordan and Egypt — as well as seismic ripples in Lebanon and Syria — have sparked a new phase in the conflict’s and the region’s trajectory. The implications are likely to transform societies and relations in the Middle East for years to come.
Learn more in USIP's Fact Sheet on The Current Situation in Israel, The Palestinian Territories, Egypt and the Levant.
USIP’S WORK
Drawing on over three decades of work that leverages trusted Israeli, Palestinian and regional networks, USIP engages U.S. policy, diplomatic and military actors and facilitates discussions to inform policy and U.S. government planning, with a focus on pragmatic options that can contribute to the pursuit of sustainable solutions for regional peace and stability.
USIP is also building on decades of work with religious leaders and faith communities, supporting their capacity, and that of other peacebuilders, to de-escalate tensions and violence at sensitive flashpoints, and to foster trust within and between their societies.
Featured Research & Analysis
With Cease-fire Holding, Can Israel and Iran Move Toward De-escalation?
Israel’s stunning and sophisticated June 13 attack on Iran set off a worrying 12-day escalatory spiral. Iran responded in short order with ballistic missile and drone strikes, which led to a series of tit-for-tat exchanges between the two sides. A cease-fire is now in place -- but will it hold?
Jordan’s King Walks a Diplomatic Tightrope in Washington
Jordan has long been one of the United States closest allies in the Middle East and its leader, King Abdullah II, is typically the first Arab leader to meet with a new U.S. president. But when Abdullah met with President Donald Trump on Tuesday, the two leaders had to navigate profound differences over what happens next in Gaza amid a fragile cease-fire. Trump’s proposal to relocate Gazans to Egypt and Jordan has been met with sharp rejection by both countries and the broader region. The president has suggested that he may withhold aid to Egypt and Jordan if they don’t agree to take Palestinians from Gaza.
The Current Situation: Israel, The Palestinian Territories, Egypt and the Levant
For over seven decades, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict — and its broader regional reverberations — has shaped Middle East politics and impacted U.S. interests in the region. Hamas’ unprecedented terror attack on October 7, 2023, the Israeli military response in Gaza and the implications for neighboring Jordan and Egypt — as well as seismic ripples in Lebanon and Syria — have sparked a new phase in the conflict’s and the region’s trajectory.