Seeking stability: Israel’s approach to the Middle East and North Africa

Fearing instability following the 2011 Arab spring, Israel has focused on risk-adverse, minimalist and pro-status quo policies towards the Middle East region. This is partly because of overwhelming Israeli doubts about the regional potential for democratisation. The Israeli government has avoided playing any role in the Arab transitions, while drawing a clear separation between the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and regional developments. However, Israel has tried to maintain working relations with Egypt and Jordan, while sharing similar concerns to Gulf countries over the rise of Islamic State and growing Iranian influence throughout the region. Israelis elect a new parliament in March 2015, but regardless of the result, it is more likely that continuity, rather than change, will define the overall strategy of the next government of Israel towards the Middle East and North Africa.