The new geopolitical map of the Middle East is characterized by the emergence of regional actors and a greater focus on energy resources as a source of both cooperation and conflict. Lebanon and Syria have long been a stage for regional competition. The collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime in late 2024 marked a seismic shift in the Levant, ending decades of brutal rule but plunging Syria into a new period of uncertainty. The influence of Iran and Russia has been diminished, while Israel's position following its strategic operations has never been stronger.

 

Prof. Eitan Shamir, Executive Director of BESA and the Head of the Security and Strategy Program at Bar-Ilan University, discussed with Dr. Carmit Valensi, Senior Researcher and the Head of the Northern Arena Program at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) at Tel Aviv University, Lt. Col. (res.) Dr. Moran Levanoni, and Maj. Gen. (res.) Gershon Hacohen, former Commander of the IDF Northern Corps, the current security situation in the region, including the broader implications of the changes to the geopolitical balance for Europe and NATO.  Prof. Arie Reich, Vice Rector of the Bar-Ilan University, introduced the participants to the potential regional benefits of the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).