Natan Sachs
@natansachs
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Senior Fellow (incoming, Sept. 2025), Middle East Institute. US Mideast policy. Israeli FP & politics. Views my own. NatanSachs elsewhere too
Washington D.C.
Joined April 2011
Excited to share that I’ll be joining @MiddleEastInst as a Senior Fellow starting in Sept 2025. The need for sound and transformative policy in the Middle East has never been greater—and I’m thrilled to join a dynamic team of experts and practitioners.
The Middle East Institute (MEI) is delighted to welcome @natansachs as a Senior Fellow, starting September 2. Dr. Sachs is a leading expert on Israeli foreign policy and domestic politics, and US-Middle East policy, especially toward Israel. He previously served as Director of
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Brookings has been a cherished professional home, and I look forward to celebrating its continued success from just around the corner at MEI.
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This move also meant a tough decision to leave @BrookingsInst after more than 13 wonderful years. I'm deeply grateful to many friends and colleagues—past and present, the leadership of Brookings and the @BrookingsFP program, and my colleagues at the Center for Middle East Policy.
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My focus will remain on U.S. foreign policy, Israeli foreign policy, and Israel’s evolving domestic landscape. I'm grateful to Amb. Stuart Jones and Ken Pollack for the opportunity and look forward to working with a fantastic group of new colleagues.
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“They fear Trump more, and they do think he’s unpredictable,” Mr. Sachs said. “The direct talks with Hamas. It’s something that a(n). iconoclastic president like Trump is willing to do, and Israel is loath to cross him. ”.
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My non-tariff 2 cents for New York Times: "The fact that Mr. Netanyahu’s base backs Mr. Trump gives him unique power in the country as Israel and Hamas negotiate the release of hostages and a cease-fire, Mr. Sachs said." >.
nytimes.com
President Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are using similar playbooks as they face turmoil.
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RT @StephAnneTurco: I am pleased to announce the publication of my new book "Libya Since Qaddafi: Chaos and the Search for Peace." It will….
hurstpublishers.com
An inside account of conflict, collapse and innovative approaches to reconstruction in Libya’s challenging post-2011 landscape.
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An important first inside account of the war cabinet and Gallant's viewpoint, including the dramatic discussion on Oct 11 2023, and the much later campaign against Hizbullah.
NEW: In a special two-part interview I conducted with former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, dismissed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in November, he provides for the first time a detailed account of the Gaza War. Gallant discusses intelligence failures, outcomes of.
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RT @lawfare: On Lawfare Daily, @S_R_Anders, @natansachs, @dbyman, @braunold, and Dr. Dana El-Kurd discussed the terms of the Israel-Gaza ce….
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RT @BrookingsFP: As Israel and Hamas reach a ceasefire and hostage-for-prisoner release agreement, @natansachs talks to Kevin Huggard about….
brookings.edu
On Wednesday, Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire and hostage-for-prisoner release agreement. Natan Sachs breaks down the situation.
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In the meantime, Ben Gvir out of his ministry would be one more reason to favor a very difficult but ultimately essential deal.
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This is what distinguishes statesmen from politicians: Does Bibi go forward with the national interest despite political risks? Netanyahu has thus far been Bibi the politician rather than a statesmen in a historic crisis. Trump factor offers an exit ramp but it's no guarantee.
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Ben Gvir alone does not spell the end of Bibi's coalition, but combined with new leverage to Smotrich, and a looming crisis over conscription law (with the Haredi parties) and a budget that must pass by March 31, and there is a major crisis to be had.
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Ben Gvir announced that if the deal is approved he and his faction would resign, but not topple the government, possibly returning if phase 2 did not materialize. The key now is Smotrich, and his pressure on Netanyahu is real.
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Ceasefire Israeli politics: Itamar Ben Gvir likely to announce his resignation as minister. Key: will he vote against the coalition, esp on budget (which must pass by March 31). All eyes on Smotrich after this.
A ceasefire-hostage deal set to be announced. Many months and much destruction too late, but better than never: In the first stage, most vulnerable hostages and a large number of Palestinian prisoners released. Hostilities would pause and a surge of aide into Gaza could follow. >.
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Open question too is whether any other Palestinian actor besides Hamas willing and able to get a foothold now in Gaza, backed by the aid surge. If that is left to Hamas, as in the past 15 months (17 years. ) the countdown to the resumption of fighting will begin. /end.
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Some version of the Biden Israel-Gulf “grand bargain” could be brought back from the dead, but only if Bibi makes some bold political decision--the complete opposite of what he's done for years. Could Trump factor in that?>.
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This will determine whether a "day after" can finally begin and whether the remaining Israeli hostages are left behind or brought home. There are influential actors in the Arab world willing to help in Gaza, but a lot needs to happen to unlock that, and we're still far.>.
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Trump's appeal to Mideast rulers can help get things done, if one decides to get the right things done and keeps at it—not an obvious thing with so many competing priorities. Will admin force a 2nd phase or call victory and let things stand? Unclear Bibi wants a 2nd phase at all>.
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The Trump effect is real here, aided by a Biden team willing to share the role already now. Netanyahu does not want to start off on the wrong foot with Trump. In the Middle East, Trump has the advantage of speaking the language of the small number of men who matter most. >>.
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