4 February 2026
Joint Seminar of CAIS and the Department of Israel and Jewish Communities
On February 4, 2026, CAIS and the Department of Israel and Jewish Communities held a joint seminar on the current issues of the Middle East.
The main papers were presented by IOS RAS Deputy Director, Head of CAIS Prof. Vasily Kuznetsov, Head of the Department of Israel and Jewish communities Dr. Victor Smirnov and the Department’s Leading Researcher Dr. Tatyana Karasova. Prof. Kuznetsov also moderated the discussion.
Dr. Tatyana Karasova’s paper was dedicated to the internal situation in Israel, growing issues and emerging splits in the society. She also shared the experiences of her latest trip to Israel.
Dr. Victor Smirnov gave a detailed review of several topics: the Iranian problem, exacerbated in January-February 2026, situation around the Gaza Strip and internal political situation in Israel.
Prof. Vasily Kuznetsov described the experiences of his work trip to Jordan, outlined main transformations taking place in the Middle East over the last few years and views on them in the region.
The seminar was attended by researchers from CAIS, Department of Israel and Jewish Communities, Center for Middle East Studies and other departments of the Institute.