Middle East Crisis
News, analysis, and background on the Israel-Hamas war and regional conflict between Israel and Iran and its proxies.

Meet the New Middle East, Same as the Old Middle East
Everything has changed in the region, and nothing is different.

Only Trump Can Save Israel from Its Own Government
Netanyahu’s plan to seize Gaza is a catastrophe for all.

What Was the Tipping Point on Gaza?
After almost two years of war, Israel is feeling the growing weight of governmental opprobrium.

The Next Israel-Iran War Is Coming
Both countries’ strategic calculus suggests it will be even more violent.
Israel-Hamas War

Could Images of the Famine in Gaza Change Israeli Public Opinion?
A newscast showing starving children prompted sympathy—and criticism.

Israel Isn’t a Hegemon Yet, But It’s Now a Revisionist Power
Netanyahu is seeking to remake the Middle East by force.

Biden’s Team Lied About Gaza. It’s Time to Hold Them Accountable.
Impunity for abetting war crimes weakens U.S. democracy.

Why Recognizing Palestine Is Meaningless or Even Harmful
Recent announcements by France, Britain, and Canada are mostly performative.
Iran-Israel Tensions

Strikes on Iran Show the Force, and Limits, of Airpower
Technical dominance can’t compel regime change.

Iran’s Collapse Could Cause a Nuclear Security Nightmare
Washington would struggle to secure dangerous materials, technologies, and expertise.

Iran Is Islamism’s Last Lifeline in the Middle East
Without support from a weakened Tehran, the region’s extremist movements would wither.

Iran and the Logic of Limited Wars
No one wants a long war, and doing nothing was no longer an option.
Israel and Hezbollah

Hezbollah Is Trying to Spin Loss as Victory
Assad’s fall and Israel’s offensive give Lebanese a chance to reclaim their country.

Lebanon’s Demining Mission Faces Aid Uncertainty
Cuts to foreign assistance and a fragile cease-fire have made the urgent work more dangerous.

Surprisingly, the Lebanon-Israel Cease-Fire Is Holding
Notwithstanding continued exchanges, the agreement is functioning and appears durable.

Lebanon’s Success Depends on Sidelining Hezbollah
The new government in Beirut is the country’s best chance for reform in years—but support from Washington and Riyadh will be crucial.
Global Reactions

Can a ‘New’ Middle East Survive the ‘Old’?
To achieve regional progress, Arab leaders need to rethink the importance of resolving the Palestine question once and for all.

The Middle East’s Next Aftershocks
The Trump administration will find it hard to disengage from a region still being reshaped by the effects of Oct. 7.

Trump Has Leverage With Syria’s Neighbors—Here’s How He Should Use It
U.S. pressure on Israel and Turkey could help stabilize Syria.

Can the Gulf’s Iran Policy Survive the War?
Israel and the Gulf have rival visions for Iran’s role in the region. Now Washington has to pick one.
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Why the Oslo Peace Process Failed
And what it means for future negotiators.

The Palestinian Leader Who Survived the Death of Palestine
What would it mean for Hussein al-Sheikh to lead a people whose dream of independence is no longer alive?

How Will This War End? How Can the Next One be Prevented?
FP asks experts two questions about the fighting between Israelis and Palestinians.

All the Palestinians Got From Oslo Was KFC
Thirty years of the peace process has left us with less land and fewer rights.
Latest Stories

Will Trump Follow Through on Gaza?
Only sustained U.S. pressure on Israel and Hamas will end the war.

Will Israel’s Netanyahu Survive the Cease-Fire?
His coalition is unraveling but he has a trump card.

Hezbollah Is Waiting for Lebanon’s New Leaders
The country’s new president and prime minister have a mandate to reform the country—but do they have the power?

Qatar and U.S. Announce Gaza Cease-Fire and Hostage Deal
The Israeli leader has yet to comment on the deal, which would free 33 hostages and surge aid into Gaza.

One Question Looming Over Israel-Hamas Truce Deal—Why Now?
Biden has been pushing for an agreement for more than a year.

Why Gaza Is Israel’s Forever War
Israelis want the fighting to end but their leaders don’t.

The Case Against Benjamin Netanyahu
With leaked interrogation footage, “The Bibi Files” portrays a corrupt Israeli leader.

Why Are We Ignoring Human Rights Criticism of Israel?
Major international organizations condemn Israel’s conduct in Gaza—and they’re not getting enough attention.

A Palestinian Who Holds Many Truths
Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib has emerged as a voice of unique clarity in the zero-sum debate over Israel-Palestine.

A Year of War Has Left the Middle East Less Stable
Disorder and instability reign from Gaza to Syria and the Red Sea.

Assad’s Fall Is the Middle East’s 1989
One of many consequences is the demise of Iran’s self-styled Axis of Resistance.

What the Fall of Aleppo Means for Russia
A lightning advance by rebels will force Moscow to recalibrate its Syria strategy.

Biden Didn’t Really Try to End the War in Gaza
U.S.-led diplomatic talks were essentially a performance, doomed from the outset.

5 Questions About the Cease-Fire Between Israel and Hezbollah
Limited strikes could continue even after the truce.

Why the Gulf States Might Feature Prominently in Trump’s Foreign Policy
One likely goal: expanding the Abraham Accords.

The U.S. Must Support Gaza Before Winter
Seasonal rains and flooding portend further humanitarian catastrophe.