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.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks at the Pnyx hill, where ancient Athenians held democratic assemblies, with the ancient Parthenon temple atop the Acropolis in the background, in Athens, Greece October 7, 2026.

US Secretary of State Rubio applies classical Greece’s lessons to modern political decisions

 Members of the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas and mourners attend the funeral of Al-Qassam fighters who were killed during the war between Israel and Hamas in the Al-Shati camp, in Gaza City, February 28, 2025.

French investigation spotlights Hamas links to crypto funding, local NGOs

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva speaks during a ceremony to sign into law a bill establishing a line of credit for companies affected by new tariffs imposed by the U.S. government, at the Planalto Palace in Brasilia, Brazil, July 22, 2026.

As Brazil heads to run-off, Israel’s Latin America ties are placed in spotlight - analysis


Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkey defense pact faces first test in Houthi offensive - analysis

The new alliance has taken shape over recent months, with September’s Houthi offensive and missile attacks on Saudi Arabia presenting its first major test.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, accompanied by their ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defence, pose after signing a joint defense agreement in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, August 7, 2026.

Will Yemen's massive new anti-Houthi offensive succeed in bid to reclaim lost territory? - analysis

The Yemen government is trying to rally its numerous disconnected frontlines to fight the Houthis. The problem is that the government forces are not well united.

Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces ride in the back of a military truck at the Jabal Han front west of the city of Taiz following fierce battles earlier in the day as Yemen's Houthis reportedly attempted to seize control of the main route between the inland city of Taiz and Aden.

Why the flydubai attempted hijacking could end up strengthening Israel, UAE ties - analysis

The challenges that this incident presents also likely provide opportunities, similar to how the US and Saudi Arabia were able to work together after Septembe 11.

A plane, carrying passengers who were on the FlyDubai aircraft bound for Israel from the United Arab Emirates, which was diverted to Saudi Arabia following an emergency signal, arrives at the Ben Gurion International Airport, in Lod, near Tel Aviv, Israel, September 30, 2026.

Seeking to prevent crisis, Iraq condemns desecration of US flag by pro-Iranian militias - analysis

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi made it clear he had given orders to arrest the perpetrators who drove over a US flag.

Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces running over American flag.

Syria condemns Israel's 'violations' of its sovereignty

Syria accused Israel of violating its territorial integrity by seizing the peak of Mount Hermon and using the strategic point to launch "incursions" on Syrian villages near the buffer zone.

People celebrate arrest of 2013 Tadamon massacre key suspect Amjad Yousef, in Tadamon Friday, 24th April 2026

Iran-backed militias trample US flag, exposing Iraq’s sovereignty problem - analysis

The trampling of the American flag by the militias is not new. However, the US will now focus on its activities after leaving Iraq. Iraq is talking about “sovereignty.”

Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces running over American flag.

Zach Bryan’s ‘Free Palestine’ shirt shows how political pressure can backfire on Israel - analysis

Most major musicians are not wearing “Free Palestine” shirts. However, if artists feel they are being pressured not to do so, it is possible that more of them will.

Country singer Zach Bryan wears 'Free Palestine' shirt to show at Gillette Stadium, October 3, 2026.

Red Sea conflicts converge as Ethiopia, Yemen, Sudan crises deepen regional instability - analysis

Tensions in the Horn of Africa are growing increasingly linked to the wars in Yemen, Sudan, Ethiopia, and the Red Sea

Houthi police officers stand guard upon the arrival of Houthi prisoners upon their arrival from the Red Sea coast, in Sana'a, Yemen, September 12, 2026

Despite US sanctions on Iranian flights, up to forty a day may still fly to Iraq’s Najaf - analysis

Iraq has become central to Iran's strategic chessboard in the region as Tehran seeks to expand its influence while navigating increasing US sanctions.

Demonstrators gather outside the Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf International Airport in Najaf on September 28, 2026, demanding the facility to be reopened for flights from Iran.

Day one for the new Iraq after US Forces leave - analysis

The US's 23-year presence in Iraq ended as both sides offer their characterization of the conflict and look to the future.

Celebrations after the withdrawal of US-led coalition forces from Iraq, in Baghdad Wednesday, 30th September 2026