Egypt-Israel Relations Strain as Potential Gas Deal Faces Headwinds
A deepening rift between Egypt and Israel, fueled by unresolved issues stemming from the Gaza war, is casting a shadow over potential diplomatic and economic cooperation, including a proposed $35 billion natural gas agreement. A senior official revealed that Cairo has sharply criticized Israel’s actions in recent months, significantly diminishing the likelihood of a near-future meeting between President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The escalating tensions center on Israel’s handling of the Rafah crossing and broader concerns about the displacement of Palestinians. Egypt views any attempt to push Palestinians into the Sinai Peninsula as a direct threat to its national security, a “red line” repeatedly communicated to Israeli authorities during the conflict.
Rafah Crossing Dispute Fuels Egyptian Concerns
The situation at the Rafah crossing has become a major point of contention. According to Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aty, Israel’s policy of allowing only Palestinians to leave Gaza through the crossing was described last week as a deliberate attempt to reduce the population of the Strip – a claim Egypt has “categorically rejected.”
“Cairo warned Israel against any military operations that would push the Palestinians south in the Strip towards the Sinai Peninsula,” the official stated, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. Egypt fears Israel has not abandoned plans to focus initial reconstruction efforts in Rafah, a city bordering Egypt, raising concerns about a potential influx of displaced Palestinians.
Stalled Diplomacy and Political Calculations
Relations between Netanyahu and Sisi have been strained for months, with no direct communication between the two leaders since before the outbreak of the Gaza war. While Netanyahu has reportedly sought to repair the relationship, Sisi has shown “little interest” in engaging without “fundamental changes in Israel’s behavior towards Egypt.”
Adding another layer of complexity, the official revealed Sisi’s apprehension that Netanyahu might leverage a potential meeting for domestic political gain, given Israel’s upcoming election year. “Sisi also fears that Netanyahu will use him as a propaganda tool,” the official explained.
$35 Billion Gas Deal in Jeopardy
These diplomatic hurdles come as Netanyahu reportedly attempts to secure a visit to Cairo to finalize a landmark agreement to supply Egypt with Israeli natural gas, valued at $35 billion. A senior American diplomatic source confirmed that Israeli officials are coordinating this effort with high-ranking U.S. diplomats.
Netanyahu has visited Egypt publicly twice before, during the presidency of Hosni Mubarak, with his last official state visit occurring in January 2011. Subsequent meetings were reportedly held in secret. The potential gas deal represents a significant economic opportunity for both countries, but its future remains uncertain amidst the current political climate.
The situation underscores the delicate balance of power in the region and the challenges facing efforts to foster cooperation in the wake of ongoing conflict.
