Israel’s Integration in the BRI Framework in a New Era of Great Power Competition

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter analyzes the integration of Israel in the BRI in the era of great power competition. It explores how Israel’s integration in the BRI framework is influenced by the new era of great power competition. For Israel, an escalation in competition between the USA and China could lead to reshaping alliances and strategies in the Middle East, reducing its diplomatic maneuvers to the lowest levels and abandoning neutrality, and joining one of the two camps against the other. Israel will face a complex and delicate challenge to manage its relations with Washington while integrating into the BRI framework, especially in infrastructure and technology transfers. A choice between the USA and China would be costly for the Israeli government-Chinese BRI projects, and the economic opportunities accompanying it are large and growing. Nevertheless, for Israel, more than for other regional countries, the choice is clear. The USA is Israel’s most essential and strongest ally in the world.KeywordsIsraelChinaUSABRIGreat power competitionMiddle East