Watan-Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is facing unprecedented U.S. pressure led by the administration of President Donald Trump, who is using the issue of Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam as leverage to push for the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza into Egyptian territory.
1-Washington’s Leverage: Water Crisis vs. Gaza Resettlement
According to media reports and leaked information, Washington is seeking to force Cairo into accepting the resettlement of Gazans, threatening, in return, to turn a blind eye to Egypt’s ongoing water crisis, which endangers the lives of over 120 million Egyptians.
2- Trump’s Proposal: Resettlement for Economic Incentives
During a phone call between Trump and Sisi, the two leaders discussed the situation in Gaza, with the U.S. president reiterating his request for the resettlement of Palestinians in Sinai as a permanent solution, in exchange for economic incentives for Egypt.
However, the most critical aspect of the conversation was not officially disclosed—Trump reportedly linked acceptance of the American plan to resolving the Grand Renaissance Dam crisis. He hinted at the possibility of using U.S. influence to pressure Ethiopia on the water issue, provided that Sisi cooperates.
Trump is known for his “quid pro quo” approach to foreign policy, offering no support without something in return. While Egypt has publicly rejected the resettlement proposal, these pressures place Cairo in a difficult position, particularly amid its severe economic crisis, escalating debt, foreign currency shortages, and rising inflation affecting millions of Egyptians.
3- Regional Implications and Diplomatic Maneuvers
So far, Egypt’s response has been limited to diplomatic statements of rejection. However, there are growing signs of continued U.S. efforts to find a regional solution for Palestinian refugees. According to informed sources, Jordan’s King Abdullah II is expected to visit Washington soon to discuss the same issue, with speculation that Sisi may later join the talks to finalize a potential deal.
4- The Critical Question: Will Egypt Resist?
Amid these developments, the key question remains: Will Egypt succumb to this U.S. pressure, especially given that the Grand Renaissance Dam crisis poses an existential threat to the country? Or will Sisi find another way to counter these pressures without making concessions that compromise Egyptian sovereignty and national security? Only time will reveal how Cairo will navigate this crisis, which could shape the future of Egypt and the region.
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