Diplomatic Security Doctrine
Integrating diplomacy and political arrangements as core components in national security, alongside military might.
What is at the center of the plan?
Three years after the October 7 terror attack and the wars that followed, Israel stands at a historic crossroads of decision-making. On the one hand, continued deterioration to the status of a pariah state, a reality of endless wars, and the loss of decision-making autonomy over the security of its citizens. On the other hand, retaking the initiative in shaping the regional space, and creating arrangements that will provide long-term security for the citizens of Israel.
Israel's next government will be required to lead deep changes in foreign and security policy from its very first day - to formulate a new diplomatic security doctrine for Israel. It will be required to deal with immediate challenges on the various fronts: from the attempts at arrangements in Gaza and Lebanon, to relations with the Palestinian Authority and settler violence in the West Bank, through the campaign against Iran, and to the relationship with the US administration. In addition, it is expected to face repeated attempts by political "spoilers" to challenge its sovereignty.
In this document, we seek to present a plan for a diplomatic change of course for the next government. The plan includes a series of strategic efforts and concrete steps, to restore the diplomatic standing and security resilience of the State of Israel, within one hundred days from the beginning of its term. At the core of the plan stands the understanding that the Palestinian issue constitutes a necessary fulcrum for the ability to generate a diplomatic change of course in each of the arenas. The document does not only deal with the list of issues on the agenda, but seeks to "connect the dots" and present a diplomatic choreography – a coordinated sequence of actions in the various fields, the combined implementation of which will lead to a fundamental change in the state's strategic situation.
Core principles for a fundamental change in Israel's strategic reality
Deep Security Approach
Shaping the political, economic, and civilian reality with partners in the region and the world, to prevent the emergence of threats in the first place.
Main Recommendations
Key steps in the various arenas of action.
1The Palestinian Arena
- Implementation of Trump's plan in Gaza: A governing alternative to Hamas, demilitarization and reconstruction, alongside a diplomatic horizon for an Israeli-Palestinian settlement.
- Stabilizing the West Bank and changing the approach to the Palestinian Authority: Deepening security coordination, unfreezing clearance revenues and renewing civilian cooperation.
- Rolling back Smotrich's decisive plan: Halting annexation, evacuating illegal outposts and eradicating settler violence.
- Regional and international partnership for stabilization and reconstruction: Palestinian integration into the Negev Forum and IMEC, raising funding for infrastructure and reconstruction, and establishing monitoring mechanisms.
2The Regional Arena
- Arrangements with Syria and Lebanon: Phased and conditional arrangements, strengthening sovereignty and reducing threats.
- Restoring and fortifying the peace alliances: Renewing trust and strategic partnership with Egypt and Jordan.
- Partnership in shaping the regional order: Renewing the expanded Negev Forum, regional connectivity, and dialogue with Turkey.
- Partnerships against the Iranian threat: Coordination against a nuclear breakout, joint defense, and blocking Iran's proxies.
- Convening the Riyadh Conference under US leadership: Aimed at linking the stabilization of Gaza, the advancement of an Israeli-Palestinian political process, and the construction of the new regional order.
3Restoring Relations with the US and Partnership with Europe
- USA: A foundational visit to Washington and partnership in advancing regional arrangements. Continued dialogue on security assistance. Restoring relations with the Jewish community in all its streams.
- Europe: Renewing work with EU institutions and key states.
- Ukraine: Diplomatic and practical support and defensive cooperation.
- Blocking isolation and boycotts: A tangible change in policy will allow restoring trust with the US and Europe, removing security restrictions, and mobilizing them to advance Israel's security and diplomatic goals.
4Israel's Foreign-Policy Establishment
- "Diplomatic Alternatives Law": Beginning work on drafting and advancing a law requiring planning bodies and decision-makers to examine diplomatic alternatives at decision-making junctures during crises and security issues.
- Inter-ministerial CEO Forum: Establishing a permanent forum of ministry CEOs headed by the Foreign Ministry CEO for inter-ministerial coordination and synchronization of government work on foreign affairs.
- Strengthening resources and strategic planning: Allocating dedicated positions, resources, and authorities to strengthen the Foreign Ministry's strategic planning arms, and allocating increased budgets for its activities.
- Connecting the diplomatic and security echelons: Improving the interface between the diplomatic-political community and the security community and the NSC, by appointing diplomatic staff in the defense establishment and the NSC.
- Climate diplomacy: Initiating staff work to establish a climate diplomacy division in the Foreign Ministry.
What do the first 100 days look like?
A possible choreography for the diplomatic move in four stages, starting from the first day of the government's term.
Presenting the diplomatic change of course
The "Mount Scopus Address": Presenting a diplomatic security doctrine, commitment to Trump's plan, advancing arrangements in the north, and regional partnership.
Mobilizing partners in the region
Talks in Cairo, Amman, and Abu Dhabi, ending with acceptance in principle of the Hamas disarmament plan, and the announcement of a reconvened Negev Forum 2.0 summit (with Jordanian and Palestinian participation) in Amman. In parallel, Israel completes the security agreement with Syria and accelerates dialogue with Lebanon.
Anchoring the partnership with the West
Washington: Meeting with the President, signing the security agreement with Syria, announcing the Riyadh Conference, addressing Congress, and holding a strategic dialogue on preventing a nuclear Iran.
Europe: A tour of Brussels, Germany, and Ukraine.
Regional frameworks and the Riyadh Conference
Convening the Negev Forum 2.0 summit in Amman.
At the end of the 100 days: The Riyadh Conference led by the US, aimed at formulating a joint regional framework that links shaping Gaza, advancing an Israeli-Palestinian political process, and building a new regional order.
In parallel with the regional visits, the government immediately implements steps to stabilize the ground in the West Bank and advance Trump's plan in Gaza.
About the Plan
From Endless Wars to Long Term Security is a diplomatic plan for a new government, published by the Mitvim Institute in October 2026.
The document was written by the Mitvim team - Dr. Omer Zanany, Dr. Maya Sion-Tzidkiyahu, Bar Rapoport, Eitan Ishai, Liel Maghen, Daniella Armoni, and Reef Yitzhaki - along with other experts. Editors: Dr. Roee Kibrik and Dr. Gil Murciano.