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. 


A delegation of 100 Druze leaders from Syria visits northern Israel for the first time since 1973 on March 14, 2025. Israeli Druze proudly wave their own national flag alongside the Israeli flag in festivals and ceremonies, the writer points out.

Druze in Syria consolidate control - but will they seek independence? - analysis

President of Yemen Rashad al-Alimi addresses the "Summit of the Future" in the General Assembly Hall at United Nations Headquarters in New York City, U.S., September 22, 2024

Israel's airstrike on Houthi leadership, and what it means for Yemen's future - analysis

An Israeli armoured personnel carrier (APC) manoeuvres on the Israeli side of the border with Gaza, Israel August 19, 2025

Arab states increase focus on Gaza City battle as Israel intensifies military offensive - analysis


Lebanese army disarms six Palestinian camps, Hamas and Islamic Jihad not included - report

According to the report the Lebanese Army received “a batch of light and medium weapons, B7 rockets, and medium-range surface-to-surface missiles from the camps of Tyre.”

Demonstrators carry flags as they take part in a protest against the hunger crisis in Gaza, in Sidon, Lebanon July 25, 2025

Lebanon's new leaders believe they can salvage the state from Hezbollah - analysis

There is a belief today that Hezbollah is weaker than it has been in decades and this gives an opportunity to those like Salam and Aoun to change Lebanon’s trajectory.

President Joseph Aoun (R) chairs the first meeting of Lebanon's new government, along with Premier Nawaf Salam, at the Baabda presidential palace, east of Beirut, on February 11, 2025

Egypt, UAE conclude 'pivotal and strategic' talks on regional stability

The meeting came as Egypt has continued to face mounting pressure to take in Gaza refugees and do more for Gaza.

NO ISRAELI leader present. Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi are seen during a welcome ceremony in Abu Dhabi.

Israeli strikes in Syria continue into third day, sparking regional condemnations - analysis

The Kingdom of Jordan said that it had condemned, “in the strongest terms, the repeated Israeli violations and its infiltration into Syrian territory."

 Smoke rises after strikes on Syria's defense ministry in Damascus, according to Al Jazeera TV, in Damascus, Syria July 16, 2025.

'The most important step': Lebanese disarmament of Palestinian camps enters second phase - analysis

Lebanon's steps toward disarmament have become a test case for the Middle East. It could provide a model for disarming Hezbollah, or even Hamas in Gaza.

Demonstrators carry flags as they take part in a protest against the hunger crisis in Gaza, in Sidon, Lebanon July 25, 2025

'Arrogance of a cowboy': US envoy slammed for off-the-cuff remark in Lebanon

As ambassador to Turkey and envoy to Syria, Barrack has not usually caused offense, though his role on Syria policy has led to some controversy among those who support the US-backed SDF.

U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and U.S. special envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack speaks after meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (not pictured) at the presidential palace in Baabda, Lebanon August 26, 2025.

'Dangerous Israeli escalations': Abu Dhabi, Damascus condemn IDF operations in Syria

The Emirati Foreign Ministry issued a statement slamming the “incursions.” Abu Dhabi said it has reiterated the “UAE's unwavering support for Syria's stability over all its territories."

IDF soldiers operating in Syria

US lawmakers Shaheen, Wilson return to Syria for continued talks with Sharaa

Syria's new president furthered his efforts at strengthening international relationships by meeting with US representatives for a fresh round of talks.

 Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa meets with U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and special envoy to Syria Tom Barrack as they are flanked by Syrian Foreign Minister Assad Hassan al-Shibani in Istanbul, Turkey, May 24, 2025.

Palestinian groups begin handing over arms to Lebanese military - report

The report at Al-Akhbar claimed that weapons were handed over in the Burj al-Shamali and Al-Bass camps.

Demonstrators take part in a protest against the hunger crisis in Gaza, in Sidon, Lebanon July 25, 2025

Iraq to deport 50,000 Turkish, Russian, Azeri nationals linked to ISIS

The foreigners appear to be mostly arrested on charges of being affiliated with ISIS or being members of families of ISIS members.

DEMONSTRATORS CLIMB a structure during an anti-government protest in Baghdad, last week.