The United States Discusses the Possibility of a Summit Between Sisi and Netanyahu

Translation by SadaNews - An American official and an informed Israeli source told Axios that the White House is ready to mediate a summit between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who have not spoken since before the Gaza war.

American officials added, according to SadaNews translation, that Netanyahu must first agree to a strategic gas deal with Egypt and take other steps to entice Sisi to meet.

Axios reported that the United States is trying to improve relations between Israel and Arab countries through economic diplomacy.

An American official told Axios: "This is a great opportunity for Israel. Selling gas to Egypt will create connections between the countries, bring them closer together, create warmer peace, and prevent war."

He added, "The United States is considering similar initiatives focused on economic incentives in areas such as technology and energy between Israel and Arab countries like Lebanon, Syria, and Saudi Arabia."

He continued, "The goal is to take Israel out of its diplomatic isolation, establish a new model for Israel in dealing with the Arab world, and put the Abraham Accords back on track."

American officials hope to achieve this alongside their efforts to stabilize the ceasefire in Gaza and move forward with the peace process.

In recent talks, President Trump’s adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner told Netanyahu that after the war, Israel needs to show the countries in the region that it has more to offer than just a negative agenda, according to an American official speaking to Axios.

Kushner emphasized that the countries of the region do not want to talk about Iran all the time, but rather explore business opportunities. He added that if Israel wants to integrate into the region, it must return to the language of dialogue.

Kushner told Bibi that Israel needs to enhance its economic diplomatic strength and engage the private sector in the peace process. He explained how Qataris, Saudis, and Emiratis bring business delegations with them when they visit Washington because they are focused on deals, according to the American official.

The American official confirmed that Israel should take advantage of its technology, artificial intelligence, natural gas resources, and its expertise in areas like renewable energy and water in its regional diplomacy.

Kushner suggested to Netanyahu that he should start with Egypt, which played a crucial role in reaching the peace agreement in Gaza and has led efforts that have so far returned 27 out of 28 hostages held in Gaza.

An American official stated, "The Egyptians have shown a genuine commitment to helping Gaza."

While Netanyahu informed Kushner of his desire to meet Sisi, he did not show any serious interest, according to an Israeli source and an American official. The Egyptian president also showed indifference towards the idea of the meeting.

The Israeli source said, "There have been no significant strategic communications between the two countries over the past two years."
Netanyahu had previously declined an invitation from Trump to attend the peace summit in Gaza which is scheduled to be held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt in October.

According to the Israeli source, Netanyahu's backtracking on his position was not well received by Sisi.
Sisi and Netanyahu held a secret meeting in 2018, and the last public meeting between them was at the United Nations General Assembly in 2017.

American officials told Netanyahu that he needs to have something to offer the Egyptians in order to hold such a summit, according to sources.

One possibility is agreeing to a multibillion-dollar natural gas deal, under which Israel would supply an estimated 25% of Egypt's electricity. American company Chevron is a partner in the gas field that is at the heart of this deal.
Sisi approved the plan last July despite domestic and international criticism, but the Israeli government has not yet followed suit.

The Israeli source said this is due to "narrow Israeli domestic interests" and Netanyahu's desire to sign the deal during a public meeting with Sisi in Egypt. The Israeli Embassy in Washington declined to comment.

American officials told Netanyahu that he needs to approve the gas deal and prepare other economic proposals in order to hold a meeting with Sisi.

The Israeli source and an American official stated that Netanyahu recently formed a team that is quietly working on preparing tangible economic outcomes for the potential summit with Sisi.

"What we told Bibi is that he needs to turn it into warm peace, and then work together to calm the situation in the region. If it works with Egypt, we can do the same with Syria, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia," the American official said.