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Egypt and Israel, two key players in the Middle East, are discreetly strengthening their cooperation on strategic issues, despite relations marked by a complex history. On December 16, 2024, several Israeli newspapers highlight recent discussions between the two countries on security and economic issues, in a tense regional context.
A constant dialogue on Gaza
According to Merkaz Ha'inyanimthe humanitarian and security situation in the Gaza Strip is at the heart of discussions between Israel and Egypt. At a meeting in Cairo, Israeli and Egyptian representatives discussed the future of the Rafah crossing, a crucial transit point for goods and people between Gaza and Egypt. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi reiterated his commitment to working with Israel to ensure stability in the region, while emphasizing the need to maintain humanitarian access for Gaza residents (Merkaz Ha'inyanim, December 16, 2024 ).
Shaharit reports that Egypt is also playing a mediating role in ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. Egyptian officials have pledged to ensure that any truce includes security guarantees for Israel and conditions favoring the reconstruction of Gaza. This role is crucial for Egypt, which seeks to preserve its regional influence and prevent any spillover of the conflict into its own territory (Shaharit, December 16, 2024).
Regional security: strategic cooperation
The threat from Iran and its allies in the region strengthens the partnership between Cairo and Jerusalem. Haderekhreports that Israeli and Egyptian military officials recently exchanged information on the activities of Tehran-backed armed groups in Sinai and Gaza. The aim is to prevent these groups from using these territories as bases to attack Israel or destabilize Egypt. This cooperation, although rarely publicized, reflects a growing strategic alignment between the two countries (Haderekh, December 16, 2024).
Moreover, Yated Neeman highlights joint efforts to secure strategic energy infrastructure in the Mediterranean. Newly discovered offshore gas deposits represent a major economic opportunity for both countries, but also a potential target for attacks. Israel and Egypt are considering strengthening their naval capabilities to protect these critical resources (Yated Neeman, December 16, 2024).
Expanding economic relations
Beyond security issues, economic relations between Israel and Egypt are experiencing notable growth. Ashvasser reports that Israeli companies are collaborating with Egyptian partners in the field of agricultural technologies and renewable energy. These partnerships aim to develop solutions to improve water management and increase agricultural productivity, crucial issues for Egypt, facing growing climate challenges (Hamvaser, December 16, 2024).
At the same time, joint projects related to the export of natural gas to Europe were discussed. According to ShaharitIsrael and Egypt are working on infrastructure to transport Israeli and Egyptian gas through ports in the Mediterranean. These initiatives could strengthen Europe's energy independence while increasing revenues for both nations.
A discreet but strategic rapprochement
Despite these advances, the two countries maintain a certain discretion in their bilateral relations. Merkaz Ha'inyanim points out that although Israel and Egypt cooperate on many fronts, the Egyptian population remains generally hostile to Israel due to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Egyptian government must therefore navigate carefully so as not to provoke negative reactions at the national level (Merkaz Ha'inyanim, December 16, 2024).
Essential cooperation in an unstable regional context
In a changing Middle East, marked by tensions between Iran and its neighbors, as well as competition for regional influence, the alliance between Israel and Egypt remains a cornerstone of regional stability. By working together on security, economic and energy issues, the two nations are strengthening their strategic positions while laying the foundation for even closer collaboration in the future.
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