Seth J. Frantzman

Seth J. Frantzman is the senior Middle East Correspondent and analyst at The Jerusalem Post . He has covered the war against Islamic State, several Gaza wars, the conflict in Ukraine, refugee crises in Eastern Europe, and also reported from Iraq, Turkey, Jordan, Egypt, Senegal, the UAE, Ukraine, and Russia since 2011. He is the author of three books: The October 7 War: Israel's Battle for Security in Gaza (2024), Drone Wars: Pioneers, Killing Machines, Artificial Intelligence, and the Battle for the Future (2021), and After ISIS: America, Iran and the Struggle for the Middle East (2019). He is an adjunct fellow at The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD). Born in Maine, he received his Ph.D from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 2010. He previously served as a research associate at the Rubin Center for Research in International Affairs at the Interdisciplinary Center, Herzliya and a lecturer in American Studies at Al-Quds University. He is Executive Director of The Middle East Center for Reporting and Analysis and was a Ginsburg/Milstein Writing Fellow at the Middle East Forum. Frantzman has conducted research and worked for the JDC, The Shalem Center, the Jerusalem Institute for Market Studies, and as a Post-Doctoral at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He was a Congressional intern for Congressman Jim Kolbe while studying at The University of Arizona. He is a public speaker and frequent guest on various media as well as a contributor to Defense News , The Hill , The Spectator , and The National Interest, among other publications. His current interests include regional security and geopolitics.

Residents wave Somali flags as they attend a rally denouncing Israel’s recognition of the breakaway Somaliland region, during a gathering calling for Somalia’s territorial unity, in Mogadishu, Dec. 30.

Egypt boosts commitment to Somalia’s stability with new military deployment - analysis

Members of the Iraqi security forces take part in an event marking the Iraqi Police Day in Mosul, Iraq, January 9, 2026.

Iraq-Turkey tensions grow as Baghdad summons ambassador over 'interference' accusations

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi gives a statement at the Ritz Hotel as he meets Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, on January 30, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey.

Iran prepares for US talks, offers nuclear guarantees with conditions


Kurds’ monumental role in defeating ISIS deserves recognition - analysis

As the anti-ISIS Coalition embraces Syria, the Kurdish role in the war on ISIS in Iraq and Syria also deserves recognition.

Members of the Kurdish community and other protesters attend a demonstration against recent military clashes between the Syrian army and Kurdish forces, in Berlin, Germany, January 24, 2026.

JD Vance’s visit to Armenia and Azerbaijan is a milestone for peace - analysis

The Trump administration’s push for peace follows the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan that stretches back to the 1990s.

US Vice President JD Vance gets out of a car before boarding Air Force Two upon departure for Azerbaijan, at Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan, Armenia, February 10, 2026.

Syria steps into leadership role after Riyadh anti-ISIS meeting- analysis

The recent meeting was important because it was the coalition's first reunion since the January 30 deal between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces.

 US Syria Envoy Tom Barrack meets with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Syrian officials attend anti-ISIS coalition talks in Saudi Arabia

Syrian officials attended meetings of the International Coalition to Defeat ISIS in Riyadh on February 8 to 9, marking Syria’s growing role in the US led alliance.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani looks on during a meeting with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi in Amman, Jordan August 12, 2025.

Why Lebanon's Mount Dov is key to securing Israel’s northern border - analysis

The formerly Syrian-administered area, conquered by Israel in 1967, has been the site of many Hezbollah-related incidents, which have reinforced its importance for national defense.

 Activity of the 810th Brigade on Mount Dov.

Egypt’s Sisi visits UAE amid Gulf tensions and regional challenges - analysis

Sisi’s visit to the UAE underscores Egypt’s role in Gulf diplomacy, regional security, and Gaza, amid Saudi-UAE tensions and shifting Middle East alliances.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan meets Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Cairo, Egypt on August 25, 2025.

Iraq faces renewed security concerns as ISIS detainees are transferred from Syria - analysis

Iraq is taking in thousands of ISIS prisoners from Syria, raising concerns over security in border provinces and testing the country’s ability to contain militant threats.

 Syrian security forces take control of Al-Hol camp in the desert region of Hasakeh Province, Syria, on January 21, 2026

US-led Gaza peace efforts face hurdles with militias and border delays - analysis

The White House’s Board of Peace aims to advance Gaza ceasefire, but Hamas control, armed militias, and Rafah crossing delays pose major challenges.

Displaced Palestinians receive prefabricated tents, which are safer and more durable, with the support of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Al-Zaytun of Gaza City, Gaza on February 7, 2026.

Why Hezbollah’s internal changes may signal deeper trouble - analysis

A report over the weekend indicated that Hezbollah may have accepted the “resignation” of one of its officials named Wafiq Safa.

Hezbollah supporters attend a ceremony held by Hezbollah to commemorate the first anniversary of their late leader Hassan Nasrallah's killing by Israel, on the outskirts of Beirut, Lebanon, September 27, 2025

Syria continues to deploy forces, integrate SDF into defense establishment following agreement

After clashes in January, the SDF and Syrian government agreed to cooperate and find a way to enable Syrian forces to deploy to SDF-held areas in eastern Syria.

Members of the Kurdish Internal Security Forces wait for the arrival of the security forces of the Syrian government during the curfew, following an agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian government, in Qamishli, Syria, February 3, 2026.