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.
Inside Houthis’ war machine: How it is organized, what it means for Middle East- explainer
CENTCOM's Michael Kurilla outlines next steps of US military in Syria
UNIFIL faces harassment in Lebanon as gov’t promises ‘security’
Iran FM Abbas Araghchi, China's ambassador discuss 25-year deal
The two officials spoke about developing relations and mutual understanding in implementing the agreement, which is several years old.
Next round of Iran-US nuclear talks could shape Tehran's retaliation strategy - analysis
Iran appears ready to retaliate if it faces too much pushback. It says this could be “proportionate,” although that leaves many options open.
Iran pivots strategy amid new US sanctions, eyes Europe and Arab ties - analysis
Iran, amid US domestic turmoil and new sanctions, is prioritizing ties with Europe, Egypt, and Arab states, while leveraging nuclear talks and intelligence to pressure the US and isolate Israel.
'Make America Great Again': Trump's Middle East doctrine shifts to LA crisis - analysis
Trump’s LA focus may overshadow Middle East policy, risking setbacks in Gaza, Iran, Syria, and more.
Hezbollah’s appeal for Lebanese protection signals strategic failure - analysis
Hassan Fadlallah's comments show how concerned Hezbollah is today. They are worried that many things are in motion against them.
From Europe to Asia: Why Israel’s defense tech is in high demand - analysis
In 2024, Israel hit a record $14.7 billion in defense exports, driven by European demand for its advanced, battle-proven systems and strengthened by global partnerships.
Syria shutters displacement camp Rukban, symbol of Assad regime, people's suffering
Between 2018 and 2019, the number of displaced people in the camp reached 50,000, most of them women and children, according to a Syrian media report.
Iran pushes Islamic unity through high-level regional calls during Eid al-Adha - analysis
Iran uses Eid al-Adha diplomacy to strengthen regional ties, project unity, and influence nuclear talks with the US, while tensions with Israel persist.
Will arming Gazan militias against Hamas harm Israel in the long run? - analysis
Relying on a tribal militia or clan in Gaza may work in the short term. However, in the long term it is unlikely to achieve success.
Learning Israel's enemies: Officer sheds light on Israeli intel. gathering during war
'People like me in this position, we have hundreds of hours of facetime with the other side.'
