From Endless Wars to Long Term Security: A Diplomatic Plan for a New Government

The paper’s starting point is that since October 7, Israel has demonstrated impressive military capabilities but has failed to translate its operational gains into lasting diplomatic achievements, while its standing in the region and the world has eroded. In place of the “peace through strength” approach, Mitvim proposes a concept of “deep security”: diplomacy and long-term arrangements as a core component of national security alongside military power, with an emphasis on influencing deep-seated processes in neighboring countries, strategic dialogue with partners and adversaries alike, and the planned translation of military gains into stable arrangements.

On this basis, the paper details the efforts required in five arenas:

1. The Palestinian issue. Leading the implementation of President Trump’s 20-point plan in Gaza and building a governing alternative to Hamas, stabilizing the West Bank through a change of approach toward the Palestinian Authority, and halting steps that advance annexation.

2. The Middle East. Conditional framework arrangements with Syria and Lebanon, strengthening the peace with Egypt and Jordan, Negev Forum 2.0 and integration into IMEC, and regional partnerships to counter the Iranian threat.

3. Rebuilding the strategic alliance with the United States and the relationship with American Jewry.

4. Europe. Restoring relations with EU institutions and key member states, and a change of course toward Ukraine.

5. Israel’s foreign service. Integrating diplomatic thinking into key decision-making junctures.

In its final section, the paper proposes a practical “choreography”: a coordinated sequence of steps, from a major foreign-policy address by the prime minister, through a round of regional visits and a visit to Washington, to the convening of a regional-international conference in Riyadh as the culminating move of the first 100 days.

The authors stress that the paper is not an endorsement of any political party, and that it is relevant to any government willing to change course.
 

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