White House pushing for Netanyahu-Sissi summit to enhance regional cooperation

The White House is reportedly working to arrange a summit between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi to strengthen bilateral ties. The Trump administration is encouraging Israel to engage in agreements with neighboring countries, including Syria, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia, in a bid to foster regional cooperation. Despite official diplomatic relations between Israel and Egypt, relations between the two leaders have been strained, with Sissi declining to engage with Netanyahu during the Gaza conflict. Following an invitation to a summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Netanyahu’s decision to decline was poorly received by Sissi. Jared Kushner has been advising Israel to focus on economic diplomacy, urging the private sector’s involvement in peace efforts instead of solely discussing Iran. To entice Sissi to a potential meeting, Israel would need to make concessions, including finalizing a strategic gas deal with Egypt. The US Energy Secretary canceled a visit to Israel due to delays in approving a gas export agreement with Cairo, despite US pressure. Netanyahu aims to sign the deal publicly in Egypt and is working on a package of incentives for Sissi before the summit. The US hopes that improved Israeli-Egyptian relations will pave the way for rapprochement talks with other regional players, in line with Trump’s peace plan for Gaza. US pressure has also resulted in a historic meeting between Israeli and Lebanese officials, aiming to establish a basis for cooperation. The White House is encouraging Israel to seek agreements with Syria and restart normalization talks with Saudi Arabia, despite facing significant challenges.