Dear Subscribers,

With the end of the campaign in Iran—which dealt a severe blow to Tehran’s ability to complete its program for acquiring nuclear weapons and a massive arsenal of advanced, heavy–warhead surface-to-surface missiles—attention over the past month shifted to other arenas of conflict: Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, and the surge in antisemitism and hostility toward Israel in the West. The Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security followed developments in these arenas through a range of publications, webinars, and appearances by our researchers in Israeli and international media, enriching public and diplomatic understanding of the complex reality and informing sound decision-making. As always, the Institute presents diverse viewpoints on key issues, united by a clear-eyed assessment of reality and an unwavering commitment to Israel’s security.

Developments in Gaza—on the eve of a policy decision by Israel and against the backdrop of Hamas’s “starvation campaign”—were a major focus for our researchers. Prof. Kobi Michael of the Institute for National Security Studies and I co-authored an article, published simultaneously by INSS and our Institute, analyzing the three options available to the Israeli government, with an emphasis on the option of short-term occupation, its advantages, and its drawbacks. Avi Tal discussed the falsities of the “starvation campaign,” while Prof. Efraim Inbar explained why civilian suffering in Gaza is inevitable and how it might deter Palestinians from carrying out future terrorist attacks. Dr. Eran Lerman and Bob Silverman argued that Israel should define its “day-after” concept now—before launching any new military operation—and recommended a course of action that integrates moderate Arab states and Western partners in managing Gaza’s future. Attorney Yifa Segal proposed identifying local actors in Gaza to whom Israel can transfer control, as was the case with Yasser Abu Shabab’s men in eastern Rafah. Col. (res.) Prof. Gabi Siboni and Brig. Gen. (res.) Erez Winner recommended moving the population out of Hamas-controlled areas to enable food distribution and give the IDF operational freedom in key conflict zones. Some of these recommendations may have been reflected in Israeli government deliberations and decisions.

The Syrian situation also received considerable attention, particularly in light of the attack on the Druze in the Sweida region and Israel’s response. Siboni and Winner highlighted the implications of these events for Israel’s ability to leverage the Syrian crisis to position itself as a regional power, as well as the lessons Israel’s security doctrine should draw from the failure to prevent the Druze massacre in advance. A special webinar (Hebrew) examined the situation in Syria and Israel’s policy amid questions about the al-Sharaa regime’s direction and capabilities and in the shadow of the threat to the Druze. Participants included Maj. Gen. (res.) Yaakov Amidror, Prof. Hillel Frisch, and Jonathan Hessen.

The Iranian file remains firmly on the agenda following the Israeli-American strikes. Dr. Eran Lerman and Dr. Avi Davidi analyzed the regional and domestic situation in Iran following the Israeli–U.S. strike, while Alex Grinberg continued publishing studies on Iran’s relations with the Caucasus states as part of a new program recently launched by the Institute.

The sharp rise in antisemitism and how to combat it were the focus of a webinar with three leading speakers: Prof. Alan Dershowitz, one of Israel’s foremost advocates in the United States; former MK Michal Cotler-Wunsh, Israel’s envoy for combating antisemitism; and philanthropist and strategist Adam Milstein, a founder of the Israeli-American Council. We also hosted Prof. Steven David of Johns Hopkins University, who described his experiences as an openly pro-Israel lecturer amid campus protests against Israel.

In parallel, Siboni and Winner examined the war’s implications for Israel’s security concept, comparing Jabotinsky’s “Iron Wall” doctrine with the “peace through strength” approach embraced by Israel and the United States. Their main conclusion: Israel should add the principles of prevention and enforcement as additional pillars of its security doctrine.

July saw continued growth in visits to the Institute’s website and in social media engagement, as well as an uptick in media appearances. We encourage you to follow these appearances through the links on our website.

Finally, sustaining this wide-ranging activity depends on your support. We invite you to contribute to the Institute’s work in developing the knowledge essential for Israel’s security.

Brig. Gen. (res.) Yossi Kuperwasser
Head of Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security

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