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.
What the War Changed Inside Iran
The regime has been pushed to the edge of strategic pivot.
There’s More Than One Way to Build a Bomb
Iran doesn’t need to rebuild its damaged facilities to sprint for a nuclear weapon.
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
The Existential Fears Driving Israel’s Aggressive Military Action
Israelis believed their country’s survival was no longer in question. Not anymore.
America’s Middle East Defense Rests on Aircraft Carriers
They have big guns, fighter jets, and are hard to kill—with Iran’s weapons, at least.
Does Israel’s Conflict with Hezbollah Have an Endgame?
The group would remain a threat to Israel even after a war.
What Iran Might Do Next
As the Middle East braces for further escalation, what are Tehran’s options?
Israel’s Chances of Getting Hostages Back Are Fading
Most Israelis want a deal, including the generals. Not Netanyahu.
The Iranian Intelligence Failure Behind the Haniyeh Assassination
Israel’s ability to strike at the heart of the regime will lead to purges and paranoia.
The Already Stretched U.S. Military Prepares to Defend Israel
“We are not building a military that can handle three theaters simultaneously,” one expert said.
Why Americans and Israelis Don’t See Eye to Eye on Iran
The lack of a formal security pact with the United States encourages Israel to gamble and risk escalation.
High-Profile Assassinations Push Iran and Israel to the Brink of War
A tense showdown risks spiraling out of control.
Will Iran’s ‘Axis of Resistance’ Hold Together?
Uneasy alliances are being tested by Israeli strikes.
Could Iranians Have Been Involved in Haniyeh’s Killing?
The assassination of the Hamas political leader points to public dissatisfaction with the regime in Tehran.
A Hezbollah War Would Be Israel’s Biggest Challenge in Decades
The militant group is experienced, well-armed, and prepared.
The Road to Israel-Hezbollah Peace Runs Through Gaza
The risk of full-scale war in Israel’s north could be vastly reduced by a cease-fire in the south.
Netanyahu Speech Sharpens Democrats’ Israel Divide
Some Democratic lawmakers plan to boycott the Israeli leader’s address to Congress.
China Tries to Play Power Broker Among Palestinians
But experts say the Hamas-Fatah unity agreement Beijing brokered is unlikely to succeed.
Netanyahu’s Address to Congress Is a Campaign Rally
Republicans want to help him out—but Democratic lawmakers don’t need to provide the crowd.