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. 


Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman speaks with U.S. President Donald Trump on the day of the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 13, 2025.

Questions of Saudi-Israel normalization await Washington meetings - analysis

A meeting of energy ministers from Greece, Cyprus, the United States, and Israel, November 6, 2025.

Israel, Gaza ceasefire opens door for new Cyprus, Greece energy deal - analysis

 Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa looks on as he attends the “Aleppo, Key to Victory” celebration marking Syria’s liberation, in Aleppo, Syria May 27, 2025.

Syrian president Ahmed al-Sharaa goes viral in basketball video on eve of DC visit


Ahmed al-Sharaa's road to Washington DC - analysis

Shara’s trip to Washington follows Trump’s meetings with Central Asian leaders and comes as the US works on a resolution for an international force in Gaza.

Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa speaks during a meeting with Russia's President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, Russia, October 15, 2025.

US military presence in Damascus: Exactly what Syria, and Israel, needs - analysis

An American force in or near Damascus at a strategic site such as an airport could be just the thing Syria needs at the moment.

US President Donald Trump meets Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in this handout released on May 14, 2025

Trust but verify? No evidence of Hezbollah disarmament, terror group can't be trusted - analysis

Despite the Lebanese Army destroying Hezbollah caches, verification is lacking. Israel remains concerned as the militia rearms. With a US deadline looming, is Lebanon really controlling the weapons?

Hezbollah supporters attend a ceremony held by Hezbollah to commemorate the first anniversary of their late leader Hassan Nasrallah's killing by Israel, on the outskirts of Beirut, Lebanon, September 27, 2025

Hamas uses regional talks to maximize influence in Gaza ceasefire - analysis

Hamas engages Turkey and Egypt to stabilize Gaza, signaling possible arms concessions, while the US pushes a UN-backed ceasefire and crisis plan, with Rafah tunnels a key test for diplomacy.

A Hamas terrorist standing near the Yellow Line in Gaza, November 2, 2025; illustrative.

Mamdani's election calls for political campaigns to rethink their strategies - analysis

While his political opponents were insulting him, Mamdani showed that a good election campaign must inspire voters.

Democratic candidate for New York City mayor, Zohran Mamdani greets a supporter while campaigning on the final weekend before the 2025 mayoral election in New York City, US, November 1, 2025.

The Cheney era: How the powerful VP shaped US power, its Middle East missteps - analysis

US policy today, including Trump's decision to try end the Gaza war, continues to sit in the shadow of Cheney's role.

Then-US president George W. Bush (L) and then-vice president Dick Cheney (R) celebrate at the conclusion of the 2004 Republican National Convention at Madison Square Garden in New York, September 2, 2004.

Iraq worries about rising tensions with US following Hegseth call

The US Secretary of War reportedly called his Iraqi counterpart to issue its "sternest warning yet" to Baghdad.

Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani attends the 34th Arab League summit, in Baghdad, Iraq, May 17, 2025.

Syria's new government struggles to fight Captagon, narcotics trafficking - analysis

Syrian officials have confiscated millions of Captagon pills and other illicit substances since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024.

Kurdish internal security forces stand guard after seizing a quantity of captagon pills in Qamishli, Syria, March 25, 2025.

'We identified our weaknesses and those from our enemies': Iran's Araghchi warns Israel - analysis

Araghchi warned that Iran has learned from the 12-day war, especially by "showing that Israel's air defenses can be penetrated."

 Image of Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi against a backdrop of the Iranian flag, US flag and fire.

Turkey signals Hamas could hand over power in Gaza, as Turks seek influence in Strip - report

Emirati newspaper Al-Ain pointed out that recent actions taken by the Turkish government might indicate point to Hamas adharence to the ceasefire, while the Turks seek to gain influence in the Strip.

A Hamas terrorist stands guard as workers search for hostage remains.