ABSTRACT
This chapter analyzes the continuity and change of the Gulf States’ image in the assessments of the Israeli epistemic community, the indicators of the rising interest in Gulf States’ regional roles, the transformation in the issues and views about the Gulf States expressed in the publications issued by these research institutions during the period between 2011 and 2017, and the impact of these changes on the Israeli formal policy towards the Gulf States. Economists became important players in the agenda-setting process of decision making through the dissemination of liberal policies about market-based economies, privatization, free trade, and floating of national currencies to deal with economic challenges. Governmental institutions usually establish research centers to support decision making processes such as the Knesset Research and Information Center and the Center for Political Planning and Research in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Israeli political epistemic community contains multiple and diverse institutional entities with different affiliations, funding sources and research agendas.
