Trump’s Muslim Brotherhood move reignites Israel’s battle over Raam
Israeli officials hailed the decision by President Donald Trump to start the designation process of Muslim Brotherhood chapters, though the move risks generating havoc within Israeli politics.
Israel hailed President Donald Trump’s announcement this week that he would begin the process of designating Muslim Brotherhood chapters as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, calling it a step toward combating extremism. Analysts warn, however, that the move would encourage the Israeli political right to delegitimize the Arab Raam party, which was affiliated with the group in the past.
Analysts explain that the process launched by Trump would affect Israel on two levels. Internationally, it would empower moderate Arab governments in their battle against the Muslim Brotherhood, which is clearly in Israel’s interest. Internally, when it comes to Israeli society, Trump’s move would bring back to the surface a decades-long debate over the movement, which is only partially outlawed in the country.
Muslim Brotherhood in Israel
The Muslim Brotherhood movement has been present and active in Israel since the establishment of the state in 1948, though it officially started operating in the country in 1971. In 1996, the movement split into two branches.
