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Yoni Ben Menachem

Yoni Ben Menachem, a veteran Arab affairs and diplomatic commentator for Israel Radio and Television, is a senior Middle East analyst for the Jerusalem Center. He served as director general and chief editor of the Israel Broadcasting Authority.

Israeli Druze gather at the Israeli-Syrian border in the Golan Heights to support Syrian Druze in the village of Hadar, Oct. 3, 2017. Photo by Basel Awidat/Flash90.

Israel redrawing its borders in Syria and Lebanon

Senior political sources describe Israel’s new security policy as a strategic shift, particularly concerning Arab states with which it has no peace agreements, such as Syria and Lebanon.

Yoni Ben Menachem

March 10, 2025

P.A. president Mahmoud Abbas approaches the podium during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the United Nations headquarters in New York City, on Sept. 26, 2024. Photo: Stephanie Keith/Getty Images.

Abbas’s status in the Arab arena has weakened significantly

Arab leaders believe Abbas’s rule is ending.

Yoni Ben Menachem

March 2, 2025

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, Jan. 4, 2025. Photo by Avi Ohayon/GPO.

Why Hamas should heed Trump’s warnings

Trump’s declarations to Hamas are far more than mere rhetoric. These are concrete intentions backed by Israeli military readiness and U.S.-Israeli coordination.

Dan Diker and Yoni Ben Menachem

Feb. 11, 2025

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters in the Oval Office of the White House on Feb. 03, 2025 in Washington, D.C. Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images.

Assessing Egypt and Jordan’s opposition to Trump’s Gaza plan

Cairo and Amman now face a significant challenge in Trump’s determination to implement his migration plan for Gaza's Palestinians.

Dan Diker and Yoni Ben Menachem

Feb. 9, 2025

Newly elected Lebanese president Joseph Aoun reviews an honor guard upon his arrival at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, on Jan. 9, 2025. Photo by Fadel Itani/AFP via Getty Images)

Lebanon’s new president: A symbol of Hezbollah’s decline

Joseph Aoun now faces the daunting task of steering Lebanon toward a brighter future. However, his tenure is likely to encounter persistent resistance from his opponents, particularly Hezbollah and its allies.

Yoni Ben Menachem

Jan. 13, 2025

IDF troops operate in Gaza City, Nov. 20, 2023. Credit: IDF Spokesperson's Unit.

Hamas recruits thousands of fighters in Gaza

The IDF is preparing for the possible occupation of Gaza City and plans to reduce humanitarian aid to the Strip if hostage negotiations fail.

Yoni Ben Menachem

Jan. 10, 2025

A portrait of slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah sits amid debris in Beirut's southern suburbs following overnight Israeli airstrikes on Oct. 10, 2024. Photo by AFP via Getty Images.

Hezbollah afraid to appoint a successor to Hassan Nasrallah

The timing of the election for a new Hezbollah secretary-general remains uncertain, with the terror group's top figures reluctant to assume the position.

Yoni Ben Menachem

Oct. 13, 2024

Security and rescue forces at the scene of an explosion in south Tel Aviv, Aug. 18, 2024. Photo by Yehoshua Yosef/Flash90.

Is Sinwar reviving suicide attacks?

The terrorist group has announced its intent to renew suicide bombings inside Israel, but Israeli security forces are not sure whether the statement was intended primarily for propaganda purposes.

Yoni Ben Menachem

Aug. 21, 2024

From left: P.A. President Mahmoud Abbas, the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim and Hamas leader Khaled Meshal on Aug. 21, 2014 in Doha, Qatar. Photo by Thaer Ghanaim/PPO via Getty Images.

After the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the battle for Hamas leadership begins

According to Hamas sources, there are three leading candidates.

Yoni Ben Menachem

Aug. 4, 2024