ABSTRACT

What is known as the Arab Spring has been interpreted by most Israeli politicians and public commentators in extremely negative, sometimes even apocalyptic terms. Most Israelis have tended to view this political earthquake as inviting long-term regional instability, facilitating the rise of radical sociopolitical forces in their already "rough neighborhood," and producing increased hostility toward Israel and its allies. This chapter describes the Israeli reaction to the Arab Spring by focusing on the "majority opinion" among Israelis as well as on some alternative voices among politicians, commentators, and the general Israeli public. It explains why most Israelis have reacted the way they have, attempting to contextualize the Israeli reaction by examining historical, ideological, and political factors. The chapter highlights some of the actual policies adopted by Israel in regard to the Palestinians, the Arabs, and the world at large under the impact of these dramatic regional events.