ISRAEL: Why Israelis aren’t thrilled by the prospect of a democratic Egypt

Israeli leaders used to say 

that democracy in the Arab world is the key to peace and prosperity in the region. 

So why are they so unhappy with the current demonstrations?

Four months ago, deputy-Foreign Minister Ayalon, who often serves as media front for Foreign Minister Lieberman, addressed the high-level audience of ministers, speakers of parliaments and politicians from across the globe about the lack of democracy in the Middle East”, according to the Israeli embassy to the US. Ayalon apparently said (highlights are mine): “If the Middle East was more democratic, then there would be no conflict, as history has proven that, in general, democracies don’t fight each other or send terrorist proxies. Our conflict is not over territory or resources but over basic ideology, Israel is not accepted in the region because it is democratic. […] I am embarrassed to be the only speaker from a democracy in our region.” .

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