Israel may have a liberal, democratic order for the people it recognises as citizens, but I certainly would not classify it as a 'democracy' in the traditional sense -- not when it's occupying Palestinian territory and actively keeping millions of Palestinians under siege. To me, Israel as a collective polity is an expansionist, colonial state.

I also disagree with your perception that Israel is not religiously or ideologically motivated. Its very existence is rooted in religion and ideology, dating back thousands of years. And you don't have to be religious in order to adhere to Zionism. Here are some extracts from Netanyahu's recent speech to Congress, for example:

We're an ancient people. In our nearly 4,000 years of history, many have tried repeatedly to destroy the Jewish people. Tomorrow night, on the Jewish holiday of Purim, we'll read the Book of Esther. We'll read of a powerful Persian viceroy named Haman, who plotted to destroy the Jewish people some 2,500 years ago. But a courageous Jewish woman, Queen Esther, exposed the plot and gave for the Jewish people the right to defend themselves against their enemies.

The plot was foiled. Our people were saved.

Today the Jewish people face another attempt by yet another Persian potentate to destroy us.

We are no longer scattered among the nations, powerless to defend ourselves. We restored our sovereignty in our ancient home. And the soldiers who defend our home have boundless courage. For the first time in 100 generations, we, the Jewish people, can defend ourselves.

Facing me right up there in the gallery, overlooking all of us in this (inaudible) chamber is the image of Moses. Moses led our people from slavery to the gates of the Promised Land.

And before the people of Israel entered the land of Israel, Moses gave us a message that has steeled our resolve for thousands of years. I leave you with his message today, (SPEAKING IN HEBREW), "Be strong and resolute, neither fear nor dread them."