Since the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Hamas in October 2023, MEI has organized in-depth, weekly virtual briefings that examine the conflict and the impact it is having on Gaza and Israel, as well as its reverberations throughout the region and on US foreign policy. Each week, MEI brings together two of our experts to delve into a different aspect of the war and answer questions from an invitation-only audience.
Below please find links to all the briefings held to date, including video recordings and transcripts.
This virtual briefing series on the Israel-Hamas war will continue on a weekly basis into 2024. To learn more about the series and receive invitations to join the live Q&A, please contact Thomas Halvorsen, Associate Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, at thalvorsen@mei.edu.
What’s Next in the Israel-Iran conflict?
The Middle East Institute hosted an on-the-record briefing on what's next in the Israel-Iran conflict.
Speakers
Eran Etzion
Non-Resident Scholar, Program on Palestine and Palestinian-Israeli Affairs
Mick Mulroy
Non-Resident Senior Fellow, Defense & Security Program
Alex Vatanka
Iran Program Director
Israel’s Domestic and External Challenges
The Middle East Institute hosted an on-the-record briefing on key issues for Israel post-Oct. 7, and the socio-economic and political impact of the prolonged war with Hamas.
Speakers
Nimrod Goren
MEI's Senior Fellow for Israeli Affairs
Mitchell Barak
Israel-based pollster and political analyst
Tensions Over Restricted Access to al-Aqsa During Ramadan
On access to the al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan this year.
Deal or No Deal: The Road to a Cease-fire in Gaza and on the Lebanon-Israel Border
On current Israel-Hamas cease-fire negotiations and likely outcomes in the coming days and weeks.
Shifts in US Middle East Policy
On recent shifts in US policy towards the Israel-Hamas war and other strategic priorities in the Middle East
The Invasion of Rafah
On the impending ground invasion of Rafah, and Egypt's preparations to secure its border ahead of the operation.
China’s Role in the Middle East
On China’s role in the Middle East amid rising regional tensions and growing threats to both international security and the global economy.
Iranian Proxies in Iraq and Syria
On Iran’s proxy network throughout Syria and Iraq
US Military Action in the Middle East
On US military action against the Houthis and other militant groups throughout the region.
Ties Between Hostile Actors in the Red Sea
The Middle East Institute (MEI) hosted an on-the-record briefing to discuss the ways in which the Houthis, Al Shebab, Somali pirates, and others are collaborating to undermine maritime security and limit the free flow of commerce in the Red Sea.
How Safe is Eastern Mediterranean Gas?
On the security of offshore gas fields in the Eastern Mediterranean, and the state of the international gas market given the ongoing tension and conflict in the Middle East.
Houthi Shipping Attacks in the Red Sea
On the Houthis’ escalatory military activity in the Red Sea and what it means for the future security of merchant vessels in this key waterway.
Escalation on the Israel-Lebanon Front
On the highly volatile situation between Israel and Hezbollah across the Israeli-Lebanese border. Featuring Paul Salem (President and CEO, MEI) and Randa Slim (Senior Fellow and Director of Conflict Resolution and Track II Dialogues Program).
What is Iran's Next Move?
On Iran's next moves in light of the Israel-Hamas War and the resulting shifts in regional dynamics. Featuring Abdolrasool Divsallar (Non-Resident Scholar) and Alex Vatanka (Iran Program Director).
The Invasion of Southern Gaza
On the IDF’s movements across southern Gaza, Israel’s current military objectives, and how combat today differs from that of previous weeks. Featuring Lt. Gen. Michael K. Nagata (Distinguished Senior Fellow on National Security) and Mick Mulroy (Non-Resident Senior Fellow).
Post-war challenges for Palestinian leadership
On the political challenges facing the Palestinian leadership and the evolving public sentiment among Palestinians over who should engage in the post-war political process. Featuring Khaled Elgindy (Senior fellow and director of Program on Palestine and Palestinian-Israeli Affairs) and Rula Jebreal (Palestinian journalist and foreign policy analyst).
Will the Israel-Hamas truce be extended?
On the evolving dynamics arising from the temporary pause in fighting between Israel and Hamas, along with the potential for an extended truce and the release of more hostages and prisoners. Featuring Gerald Feierstein (Distinguished Senior Fellow) and Brian Katulis (Vice President of Policy).
The debate inside Israel
On the growing internal debate in Israel over the country’s war aims and its handling of the conflict with Hamas, including discussions on calls for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's resignation, and the effectiveness of the war cabinet. Featuring Eran Etzion (Non-resident Scholar) and Nimrod Goren (Senior Fellow for Israeli Affairs).
Assessing Israel's military strategy in Gaza
On Israel’s military strategy in Gaza, including the IDF’s successes and challenges in northern Gaza, the ramifications of a ceasefire versus a pause in fighting, and the growing humanitarian crisis. Featuring Lt. Gen. Michael K. Nagata (Distinguished Senior Fellow on National Security) and Mick Mulroy (Non-Resident Senior Fellow).
The Israel-Hamas war and the role of Qatar and Egypt
On the role of key regional partners Qatar and Egypt in the Israel-Hamas conflict, from the question of hostage negotiations being led by Doha to the evacuation of U.S. citizens and the wounded to Egypt. Featuring Brian Katulis (Vice President of Policy), and Mirette F. Mabrouk (Director, Egypt and the Horn of Africa Program)
The Israel-Hamas war and the risk of regional escalation
On the Israel-Hamas war and the risks of a significant escalation across the broader Middle East given the expanded ground operation in Gaza. Featuring Charles Lister (Senior Fellow and Director of the Syria and Countering Terrorism & Extremism programs) and Firas Maksad (Senior Fellow and Director of Strategic Outreach).
The Israel-Hamas war and prospects for a ground invasion
On the military implications of Israel’s impending ground invasion in Gaza. Featuring Bilal Y. Saab (Senior Fellow and Founding Director of the Defense and Security Program) and Joseph L. Votel (Distinguished Senior Fellow on National Security).