Expert: Israel's Democracy Allows Islamist Groups Unlike Arab Nations
Dr. Mordechai Kedar, a Middle East expert, explained that while many Muslim countries ban the political activities of the Muslim Brotherhood due to its aims, Israel permits such activities as a consequence of its democratic nature. Kedar outlined the Brotherhood's three core objectives: eradicating foreign occupation and subservient rulers, eliminating Western cultural influence like democracy and women's rights, and ultimately establishing Sharia law.
He noted that leaders like Egypt's Sisi, Jordan's King Hussein, and Syria's Assad view the Brotherhood as a threat to their regimes and therefore prohibit its political operations. While political activity is largely banned, Kedar stated that social activities, such as operating women's clinics or Islamic schools, are often tolerated, albeit under state supervision.
Kedar drew a parallel to Israel, referencing the opening of a "Yad Sarah" branch in Umm al-Fahm by an organization associated with Ra'ad Salah, even after the northern branch of the Muslim Brotherhood was outlawed. He suggested that political movements like Ra'am, led by Mansour Abbas, adapt their activities to what is permissible within Israeli law, publicly opposing terrorism while seeking influential Knesset positions to work towards Israel's internal dissolution.
Kedar concluded that Israel's tolerance for these groups, including their discourse and planning against the state, is the price it pays for being a democracy. He asserted that as long as their actions do not violate the law, they are protected under freedom of speech and thought, contrasting this with authoritarian regimes.
