The Upheavals in the Middle East and Israel's Security

Much of the turmoil that has marked the Middle East for over six months does not significantly affect Israel, at least not directly. This article analyzes the impact on Israel’s security of events in Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Bahrain (with the implications for the Gulf), and Jordan, and their effect on the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Alongside the increased risks inherent in the instability and the adoption of less friendly attitudes towards Israel (e.g., in Egypt), there are also opportunities (e.g., weakening Iran’s influence in Syria and Lebanon, strengthening the anti-Iranian coalition in the Gulf). In the long term, should the Arab world become democratic, it would be easier for Israel to find acceptance in the region as a nation of equal rights and thus also resolve the extended conflict with Syria and the Palestinians.