Watan-Egypt is seriously considering withdrawing its ambassador from Israel, according to the American newspaper “The Wall Street Journal,” citing Egyptian officials.
The report indicates that Cairo has issued warnings to Tel Aviv against any attacks on the Philadelphia axis and the occurrence of any waves of displacement of Palestinians.
Despite circulating reports about the Egyptian regime’s participation in the blockade of Gaza to achieve personal gains at the expense of the Palestinian cause, The Wall Street Journal mentioned that Egyptian leaders are always keen to demonstrate their full support for Palestinians and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, rejecting any plans for displacement.
The American newspaper reported that Cairo has seriously discussed withdrawing its ambassador from Tel Aviv, and President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has rejected several attempts by Netanyahu to speak with him, noting that Egyptian-Israeli relations are at their lowest levels in two decades.
Sisi and Exploiting the Gaza Crisis for Personal Gains
The Gaza war imposes a strain on sensitive Egyptian-Israeli relations, with Egypt being the first Arab country to recognize Israel in 1979, according to the report.
Israeli officials had accused Egypt of weapons smuggling to Gaza and obstructing the entry of aid to the region. An Israeli lawyer at the International Court of Justice held Egypt responsible for preventing aid from entering Gaza through the Rafah crossing.
Two days ago, el-Sisi responded to accusations by Israeli officials about Egypt’s role in hindering aid entry into Gaza. During a speech celebrating Police Day and the January 25 Revolution, el-Sisi stated that before the war, 600 trucks entered Gaza daily through Egypt, but now only about 200 trucks enter, pointing out that the Rafah crossing is open all day.
El-Sisi claimed that Israel’s actions are what hinder aid entry to exert pressure on the sector and its residents due to the hostage issue.
The Wall Street Journal highlighted how el-Sisi benefited from the aggression on Gaza to evade internal crises, especially the severe economic crisis caused by the regime.
How Did Sisi Benefit from the Aggression on Gaza?
The analysis by David Rosenberg in the Hebrew newspaper “Haaretz” discussed the effects of the Gaza war on Egypt amid its crippling economic crisis caused by the regime.
Rosenberg affirmed that el-Sisi exploits the Gaza war to escape internal crises, especially the economic crisis, and to emphasize his pivotal role in the crisis. The war with Hamas may have saved Egypt from defaulting on payments, according to the writer.
Rosenberg also stated, “There aren’t many world leaders who want to express heartfelt thanks to Hamas, but Abdel Fattah el-Sisi may be one of them.”