Dear Subscribers,

The Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security continues to deepen its research on the pressing security challenges facing Israel, the Jewish people and the West.

Over the past month, we’ve expanded our focus on developments in Gaza. We hosted an English-language webinar on the topic featuring JISS fellows Prof. Efraim Inbar (who also moderated), Maj. Gen. (res.) Yaakov Amidror, Col. (res.) Prof. Gabi Siboni, Brig. Gen. (res.) Erez Winner, and former British army officer, Andrew Fox. The event followed a series of articles published by these and other researchers on our website. As always, the diversity of views reflects the Institute’s role as a forum for rigorous, open policy debate.

In essence, with Hamas rejecting the latest U.S. proposal for a ceasefire deal, Israel must now increase military pressure—while simultaneously advancing creative solutions to the humanitarian crisis that will deny Hamas the ability to exploit it. At the same time, the critical question of “the day after” remains unresolved and demands more focused attention.

We also held a Hebrew-language webinar on the challenge posed by Syria’s new regime. The panel included our Vice President, Col. (res.) Dr. Eran Lerman (moderator), Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak, and Jonathan Hessan. The discussion brought out a range of perspectives on how Israel should respond to shifting dynamics on its northern border.

On the Iranian front, I published an op-ed in The Washington Times laying out what the U.S. must insist on in its negotiations with Tehran over the nuclear program. In parallel, Dr. Avi Davidi continues to track key developments inside Iran in his biweekly updates—highlighting, for example, recent explosions at sensitive sites and the cyberattack on Bank Sepah.

Finally, in light of President Trump’s recent visit to the region, Dr. Eran Lerman analyzes how Israel can continue advancing its ties with Saudi Arabia, and Dr. Uzi Rubin unpacks Trump’s proposed missile defense initiative—dubbed the “Golden Dome for America”—and its strategic implications for Israel.

As always, thank you for following our work and supporting our mission

Brig. Gen. (res.) Yossi Kuperwasser

Head of Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security