Muslim supporters of Israel are a diverse and complex group who challenge the widely held assumption that all Muslims are opposed to the Jewish state. While many Muslims are critical of Israel’s policies—particularly regarding the Palestinians—there are individuals and groups across the world who either support Israel’s right to exist, advocate for peace and coexistence, or align with Israeli democratic values and strategic interests. Their support ranges from full-throated pro-Israel advocacy to more pragmatic or reformist stances.
Here’s a breakdown of the main types of Muslim supporters of Israel, along with some notable examples:
1. Israeli Muslims and Arab Citizens of Israel
Israel has over 2 million Arab citizens, including many Muslims, who hold Israeli citizenship. While many are politically critical of Israel, some identify strongly with the country and defend its democratic institutions.
Notable examples:
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Dr. Mohammed Kabiya – A Bedouin Muslim and former Israeli Air Force officer who advocates for Israel in international forums.
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Ali Salam – The Muslim mayor of Nazareth, who has voiced support for peaceful coexistence and often works with Israeli institutions.
Some Israeli Muslims serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF)—voluntarily, as they are not subject to the draft—and participate in Israeli civic life.
2. Ex-Muslims and Reformist Muslims in the West
Some former Muslims or secular/reformist Muslims in the U.S., UK, and Europe support Israel on the basis of human rights, democracy, and opposition to Islamist extremism.
Notable examples:
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Kasim Hafeez – A British Pakistani former Islamist who became a Zionist and now speaks internationally in support of Israel.
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Dr. Qanta Ahmed – A British-American Muslim physician and commentator who defends Israel as a pluralistic, democratic society.
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Asra Nomani – A Muslim reformer and journalist who supports Israel’s right to exist and criticizes antisemitism in Muslim communities.
These individuals often face backlash from both mainstream Muslim communities and hardline Islamists but continue advocating for dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
3. Arab and Muslim Intellectuals Supporting Normalization
With the signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020, several Arab-majority countries (UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, Sudan) normalized relations with Israel. This has given rise to a new generation of Muslim influencers and thinkers who support Israel—at least diplomatically or economically.
Examples:
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Dr. Wassem Yousef (UAE) – A Muslim cleric and media personality who supports peace and openly criticizes antisemitism.
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Public figures and businesspeople in the UAE and Bahrain, who publicly visit Israel and promote economic partnerships.
These supporters often frame their views in terms of strategic cooperation, peace, and mutual benefit, especially in opposition to threats like Iranian expansionism.
4. Muslim Dissidents and Anti-Regime Activists
In countries with authoritarian regimes or dominant Islamist ideologies, some Muslim dissidents express sympathy or support for Israel as a counterweight to oppression.
Examples:
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Iranian Muslims in exile who view Israel as a democratic bulwark against theocratic rule in Iran.
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Kuwaiti and Egyptian intellectuals who have published articles calling for reevaluation of hostile attitudes toward Israel.
Their support often stems not from Zionist ideology but from opposition to extremism, antisemitism, or state propaganda.
5. Palestinian and Arab Voices for Peace
Although rare and often marginalized, some Palestinian Muslims advocate for peaceful coexistence with Israel, reject violence, or work within Israeli institutions.
Examples:
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Bassem Eid – A Palestinian human rights activist who criticizes Hamas and defends Israeli democracy.
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Palestinians in East Jerusalem who have applied for Israeli citizenship and express appreciation for rights under Israeli law.
6. Muslim Zionists (Rare but Notable)
A very small number of Muslims openly identify as Zionists, supporting the Jewish people's right to a homeland in Israel.
Notable:
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Noor Dahri – A British-Pakistani counterterrorism expert who openly supports Zionism and Israel’s legitimacy.
These individuals often work in interfaith dialogue and face intense criticism from Muslim communities for their views.
Why Do They Support Israel?
The reasons vary widely and include:
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Belief in democracy and human rights
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Opposition to antisemitism and extremism
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Support for regional peace and cooperation
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Disillusionment with authoritarian or Islamist regimes
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Personal or ideological transformation
Conclusion
Muslim supporters of Israel represent a small but growing and vocal minority within the global Muslim community. Their views are shaped by a variety of factors—national identity, personal experience, liberal values, political pragmatism, or ideological transformation.
While they often face intense scrutiny or hostility, their existence is a powerful reminder that the Muslim world is not monolithic, and that dialogue, coexistence, and even alliance between Muslims and Jews are not only possible—but already happening.
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