Mitvim - The Israeli Institute for Regional Foreign Policies is an independent think tank that envisions a fresh start for Israel among the nations. It aims to reshape Israel's relations in the Middle East, Europe and the Mediterranean, by promoting new paradigms for Israel's foreign policies, enhancing Israel's regional belonging, and advancing Israeli-Arab peace. Mitvim was established in May 2011.

In Hebrew, the word mitveh means a sketch or a blueprint. It is often used in relation to parameters and proposals geared to promote Israeli-Arab peace. We are using the plural form of the word, mitvim, in order to underscore the Institute's commitment to explore, formulate and advocate multiple policy paths that advance a progressive, inclusive and integrative approach to Israel's regional foreign policies.

The ongoing Israeli-Arab conflict holds Israel's foreign policies hostage. It causes Israel to be regionally isolated and under frequent international criticism. In the wake of the continued failure of the peace process, Israel's image and standing in the world have been deteriorating and its relations with several strategic partners have been damaged. Israel's over-militarized foreign policy has been focusing on eliminating potential threats, rather than on building relations and seeking opportunities for peace and regional belonging. At the same time, Israel is becoming increasingly hawkish, conservative and nationalistic, with more and more Israelis being short on hope and impatient with minority and alternative voices. There is a need for a new discourse that will center on big ideas, broad regional horizons and visions for a peaceful future, and for new policies that will improve Israel's global standing. The Israeli pro-peace and progressive camp is currently not well-positioned to lead this process of change. Politically, the camp has low representation in the current Knesset. And despite some success in promoting the concept of a two-state solution, it is losing the "war of ideas." Indeed, frustrated at its failure to articulate political agendas that will appeal to broader publics, it often adopts hawkish terminology. Clearly, the re-building of this camp requires supportive policy institutions that can develop and promote new ideas and policy paths. Such institutions are currently almost non-existent, especially on foreign policy issues. While the political right enjoys the support of some heavily-funded think tanks, most Israeli think tanks cherish neutrality and refrain from taking sides on potentially divisive political issues.