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.
Syria opens criminal investigation into Assad-era mass grave revealed by Reuters
Saudi Arabia increasingly concerned about political instability in Yemen - analysis
Iraqi Sunnis divided over upcoming vote for parliament speaker
All eyes on Florida as Trump, Netanyahu face Gaza ceasefire test - analysis
Trump and Netanyahu are expected to focus on Gaza’s ceasefire, hostages and regional tensions as questions grow over whether the deal can move to its next phase.
Jordan carries out airstrikes in Syria, signaling frustration over border security - analysis
Two rounds of Jordanian airstrikes hit smuggling targets in southern Syria, underscoring Amman’s demand for stronger action against drug gangs operating near its border.
US airstrikes against ISIS in Nigeria raise questions over strategy - analysis
US airstrikes hit ISIS camps in Nigeria on Christmas Day in what officials said was a joint operation, raising questions over whether further action will follow.
Israel’s recognition highlights Somaliland’s entrapment in the world’s colonial past - analysis
The lack of willingness of countries to recognize Somaliland is solely due to the legacy of colonialism and how colonial decisions transformed into international law.
The Red Sea strategy: What does Israel stand to gain from recognizing Somaliland? - analysis
Some may see it as creating a new era of international competition in the Horn of Africa - but the real issue is it may appear more of a strategic chessboard than it is.
Yemen's Saudi-led coalition says it will deal with military moves in Hadramout
Yemen's Saudi-led coalition said any military moves by the main southern separatist group, STC, in the eastern province of Hadramout, contrary to de-escalation efforts, will be dealt with.
Sectarian attack: Eight dead, 21 injured in Homs mosque incident targeting Alawite minority
Local official Issam Naameh told Reuters the blast took place during Friday noon prayers, typically the busiest time for mosques.
Iran seizes foreign oil tanker near Gulf, saying it was carrying millions of smuggled fuel liters
Iran said last week it had seized another foreign tanker carrying 6 million litres of what it described as smuggled diesel in the Gulf of Oman.
UAE backs Saudi efforts to restore stability in Yemen amid STC tension
"The UAE reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to supporting all endeavors aimed at strengthening stability and development in Yemen," the foreign ministry said in a statement.
Christmas passes peacefully in the Middle East
Christmas was celebrated by Christian communities across the region, including in Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq.