Egypt’s dangerous pressure game against Israel - opinion

From an Israeli perspective, Egypt's recent actions under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi signal a deeply concerning shift in the bilateral relationship. Despite the historic 1979 peace treaty, Cairo has repeatedly taken positions that appear to undermine Israeli interests. This includes a perceived leniency towards Iran, strong opposition to Israel's recognition of Somaliland, and attempts to insert itself into negotiations between Israel and Lebanon. Furthermore, provocative military exercises conducted near Israel's border have only amplified these concerns, painting a picture of a nation playing a "troubling double game."

“

Despite the 1979 peace treaty, Cairo has repeatedly acted against Israeli interests.

The article suggests that Egypt's economic woes, including heavy debt and the fallout from regional instability like the war with Iran and Red Sea tensions, may be influencing its geopolitical calculus. However, this does not excuse actions that are seen as detrimental to regional stability and Israeli security. The initial Egyptian response to the war involving the US, Israel, and Iran was widely interpreted in Israel and the Gulf as sympathetic to Tehran, a stance that angered Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states who expected a firmer condemnation of Iran.

“

Egypt under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has continued over the past year, and especially in recent days, to play a troubling double game in its relationship with Israel.

Egypt's attempt to mediate negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, proposing Egyptian mediation in Sharm el-Sheikh instead of direct US-led talks, is viewed with suspicion. Cairo seems to believe its historical role as the first Arab nation to normalize relations with Israel grants it a unique prerogative over the peace process. This perceived possessiveness, coupled with its harsh reaction to Israel's recognition of Somaliland – a move seen as a strategic threat to Egypt's national security due to potential Israeli influence in the Red Sea – further solidifies the view that Egypt is pursuing its own agenda, often at odds with Israeli and broader regional interests. The author urges Egypt to open its borders for humanitarian aid to Gaza, implying that genuine peace efforts would involve more constructive engagement.

“

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry expressed “deep concern” over the military escalation, while al-Sisi avoided condemning Iran by name.