ABSTRACT

Israel borders four states – Syria, Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon, and two entities – the Palestinian authority in the West Bank and Hamas in the Gaza stip. In recent years, despite incidents on the border with Syria and Egypt, the basic strategic status quo with these countries has not changed, and the overall balance of power between Israel and the Arabs has been maintained. Due to its military might, none of Israel's Arab neighbours are able to defeat it. Israel, however, for political, economic and military reasons, avoids enforcing its will and interfering in internal Arab matters and has successfully managed to stay out of the Arab turmoil.

Israel, the Arabs and Iran gives a detailed overview of the various national security challenges that Israel has faced since 2011. It explains the key considerations and constraints Israel has had to deal with on several fronts, from its northern border with Lebanon to its southern border with Egypt. The book provides the reader with a deep understanding of why and how Israel has struggled to keep the status quo, whilst a large part of the Middle East remains in turmoil.

The book is aimed at anyone studying Israel, its Foreign Policy, Middle Eastern Politics and International Relations. It will also appeal to government officials, military officers and anyone working or interested in national security issues concerning the Middle East and particularly Israel.

chapter |2 pages

Introduction

chapter 1|10 pages

The West Bank in 2014

chapter 2|28 pages

The 2014 confrontation between Israel and Hamas

The goals and the battles

chapter 3|23 pages

The 2014 confrontation

Outside intervention and outcome

chapter 4|9 pages

The Syrian civil war

chapter 6|15 pages

Egypt

Risks and opportunities

chapter |8 pages

Conclusion