Boundless Insights - with Aviva Klompas The Middle East Entering 2026 – with Dr. Michael Oren
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Jan 7, 2026 
Dr. Michael Oren, a historian and former Israeli ambassador to the U.S., shares his insights on Middle Eastern dynamics as 2026 approaches. He discusses Israel's recent recognition of Somaliland and the implications of Netanyahu’s meetings with Trump. Oren highlights the influence of Trump's military stance on regional deterrence and predicts electoral scenarios for Israel, considering factors like the October 7th inquiry and Haredi politics. He also explores Iran's internal unrest and its potential impact on regional stability.
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Strategic Value Of Recognizing Somaliland
- Recognizing Somaliland gave Israel strategic access to the Red Sea and countered hostile influence in East Africa.
- Michael Oren argues this move restores Israeli hegemony over a key maritime entrance and challenges Iranian allies there.
U.S. Military Threat As A Diplomatic Lever
- President Trump placed a credible U.S. military threat on the table that Michael Oren calls a game changer for regional diplomacy.
- Oren sees this as enabling potential peace with Syria, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia by altering deterrence dynamics.
Peace Plan Could Shape 2026 Election
- Oren predicts the 2026 election will hinge on a revived Trump peace plan proposing conditional Palestinian statehood.
- He believes a future government without extremist ministers would be needed to implement a pathway toward Saudi-Israel normalization.