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-backed Yemeni government forces ride in the back of a military truck at the Jabal Han front west of the city of Taiz following fierce battles earlier in the day as Yemen's Houthis reportedly attempted to seize control of the main route between the inland city of Taiz and Aden.

Will Yemen's massive new anti-Houthi offensive succeed in bid to reclaim lost territory? - analysis

A plane, carrying passengers who were on the FlyDubai aircraft bound for Israel from the United Arab Emirates, which was diverted to Saudi Arabia following an emergency signal, arrives at the Ben Gurion International Airport, in Lod, near Tel Aviv, Israel, September 30, 2026.

Why the flydubai attempted hijacking could end up strengthening Israel, UAE ties - analysis

Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces running over American flag.

Seeking to prevent crisis, Iraq condemns desecration of US flag by pro-Iranian militias - analysis


Syria condemns Israel's 'violations' of its sovereignty

Syria accused Israel of violating its territorial integrity by seizing the peak of Mount Hermon and using the strategic point to launch "incursions" on Syrian villages near the buffer zone.

People celebrate arrest of 2013 Tadamon massacre key suspect Amjad Yousef, in Tadamon Friday, 24th April 2026

Iran-backed militias trample US flag, exposing Iraq’s sovereignty problem - analysis

The trampling of the American flag by the militias is not new. However, the US will now focus on its activities after leaving Iraq. Iraq is talking about “sovereignty.”

Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces running over American flag.

Zach Bryan’s ‘Free Palestine’ shirt shows how political pressure can backfire on Israel - analysis

Most major musicians are not wearing “Free Palestine” shirts. However, if artists feel they are being pressured not to do so, it is possible that more of them will.

Country singer Zach Bryan wears 'Free Palestine' shirt to show at Gillette Stadium, October 3, 2026.

Red Sea conflicts converge as Ethiopia, Yemen, Sudan crises deepen regional instability - analysis

Tensions in the Horn of Africa are growing increasingly linked to the wars in Yemen, Sudan, Ethiopia, and the Red Sea

Houthi police officers stand guard upon the arrival of Houthi prisoners upon their arrival from the Red Sea coast, in Sana'a, Yemen, September 12, 2026

Despite US sanctions on Iranian flights, up to forty a day may still fly to Iraq’s Najaf - analysis

Iraq has become central to Iran's strategic chessboard in the region as Tehran seeks to expand its influence while navigating increasing US sanctions.

Demonstrators gather outside the Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf International Airport in Najaf on September 28, 2026, demanding the facility to be reopened for flights from Iran.

Day one for the new Iraq after US Forces leave - analysis

The US's 23-year presence in Iraq ended as both sides offer their characterization of the conflict and look to the future.

Celebrations after the withdrawal of US-led coalition forces from Iraq, in Baghdad Wednesday, 30th September 2026

Video shows clashes in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province, IRGC claims six 'terrorists' killed

Baloch militants appear to be increasing their fight against the Iranian regime as the IRGC cracks down.

Members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attend an exercise in southern Iran, in this handout image obtained on February 16, 2026.

Reporter's notebook: Hezbollah's flags no longer intimidate Metula's residents

Israel's northernmost community was in the direct line of fire of Hezbollah terrorists. Now, residents and tourists are returning as the IDF has pushed back Hezbollah forces.

Mural in the northern Israel city of Metula, 2026

Syria, Hezbollah hold secret security talks in Turkey, reportedly to ease border tensions

One of the Syrian officials said both sides agreed they held no hostility towards one another, and that Syria assured Hezbollah that it would not intervene militarily in Lebanon to disarm the group.

Hezbollah and Syrian flags are seen fluttering in Fleita, Syria August 2, 2017.

Gulf media delays reporting on flydubai hijacking, consider Israeli sources unreliable - analysis

While Israeli officials increasingly view the incident as an attempted hijacking and a disaster that was narrowly avoided by heroes on the plane, many in the Gulf appeared wary of reporting details.

A Boeing 737 MAX aircraft bearing the logo of flydubai is parked at a Boeing production facility in Renton, Washington, US March 11, 2019.