Mansour Abbas and Muslim Brotherhood Employ Long-Term Strategy of Gradual Influence and Tactical Flexibility
Mansour Abbas, leader of the Ra'am party in Israel, and the Muslim Brotherhood share a strategic principle rooted in the Islamic saying "war is deception," attributed to the Prophet Muhammad. This principle underpins a long-term approach involving gradual power-building, message adaptation, and temporary alliances to expand political and social influence.
Originating with the Muslim Brotherhood, founded by Hassan al-Banna in Egypt in 1928, this strategy emphasizes a gradual process called "tamakun," which involves education and preaching, followed by political integration and institutional participation, ultimately leading to increased power. Critics argue that participation in elections and moderate rhetoric are tactical means toward broader ideological goals.
This approach includes tailoring messages to different audiences: liberal and Western groups hear themes of democracy and human rights, while internal Arabic discourse often features stronger religious and nationalist rhetoric. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan exemplifies this dual messaging, supporting groups linked to the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas while initially presenting a moderate image to the European Union.
Closer to Israel, Mansour Abbas has publicly accepted Israel as a Jewish state, a stance seen as pragmatic by some, while continuing to emphasize Palestinian identity and statehood in Arabic discourse. His critics accuse him of delivering divergent messages to Jewish and Arab publics. Abbas’s political alliances also reflect this flexibility, cooperating with secular and leftist forces when beneficial.
Ultimately, the principle of "war is deception" symbolizes a broader tactic of concealment and adaptability. The goal of tamakun is achieved through gradual integration and shifting rhetoric, balancing declared pragmatism with long-term ideological aims. Whether viewed as political savvy or dangerous deception, this strategy remains central to understanding the Muslim Brotherhood’s and Mansour Abbas’s political conduct.
