Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on Benjamin Netanyahu

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has shown a strong unwillingness to engage in direct, high-level meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite perceived diplomatic pressure from the United States and Israel to convene a summit. The core of the opposition stems from Egypt's deep displeasure over what it views as Netanyahu's government's conduct, particularly concerning military activities near the Gaza Strip's southern border and perceived intentions regarding the Rafah crossing. Cairo reportedly fears Israeli military operations are designed to alter Gaza’s geography or forcibly displace Palestinians into the Sinai Peninsula, which is considered a direct threat to Egypt's security and stability.

This refusal to meet reflects an evolution in the relationship, particularly since the onset of the Gaza war, moving away from prior engagement, such as the October summit that Netanyahu skipped. El-Sisi is reportedly wary of engaging unless there are fundamental changes in Israeli conduct and to avoid allowing Netanyahu to gain a domestic political victory during an election year. Furthermore, unresolved bilateral matters, such as a major gas deal that was nearly finalized, have further strained ties, reinforcing the Egyptian leader's current stance of non-engagement with the Israeli prime minister.