
Then-U.S. Vice President Joe Biden (left) listens to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu talk during a joint press conference in Jerusalem, Israel, on March 9, 2016.
Before U.S. President-elect Joe Biden assumes power in January, Israel will attempt to cement his predecessor’s pro-Israel policies in the West Bank and against Iran. Israel will likely pursue the least risky path to achieve both of these aims by focusing on expanding settlements in the West Bank, while using its political and covert influence to undermine U.S.-Iran negotiations. But should its fragile unity government falter, right-wing challengers will push Israel to consider more hawkish strategies, including potential annexations of additional Palestinian territory, as well as preparing more unilateral military and covert moves against Iran’s nuclear program and regional proxies. Israel is rapidly approving new settlements in East Jerusalem and formalizing previously illegal structures through the West Bank to solidify the strategic gains it has made during the past four years.