Dennis Ross
Dennis RossCourtesy of Shilopro / Chen Galili

Dennis Ross, former senior adviser to U.S. Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, says he believes the Muslim Brotherhood will win Egypt's presidential election.

Ross made the statement Wednesday at the fourth annual Israeli Presidential Conference “Facing Tomorrow 2012,” being held this week in Jerusalem.

Ambassador Ross said he believes that Muslim Brotherhood candidate Mohamed Mursi will emerge victorious tomorrow in Egypt's presidential run-off election.

Ross specifically mentioned the requirement for Egypt to keep its peace treaty with Israel, and to build a society where women – and for that matter, all citizens – enjoy equal rights.

"If the Muslim Brotherhood wants to deliver,” he said, it has to play by the rules.”

The conference, jointly organized with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, is being held under the auspices of the President of the State of Israel, Shimon Peres.

"This is the first time in the Middle East that people see themselves as citizens, they see themselves as solid. Mubarak had created a situation in which he was the only option.

It is in our interest to emphasize to the Muslim Brotherhood that they need to build the Egyptian state, and realize they need outside help,” he said. But if they want outside help, they will have to abide by international rules – and for example, to keep the peace between Israel and Egypt.

"The necessity of external assistance to help rebuild Egypt can influence the behavior of the Muslim Brotherhood, but it will not be easy,” he warned.