Netanyahu Hosts Egyptian Intelligence Chief for Discussions on Bilateral Ties

Latest Developments

• Rare Public Visit: In a rare official announcement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that he hosted Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad for talks in Jerusalem on October 21. According to Netanyahu’s office, discussions focused on President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan for Gaza, Israel-Egypt relations, strengthening peace between the two countries, and other regional issues.
• Post-Summit Follow-Up: After hosting the Sharm el-Sheikh summit, where Trump enlisted regional and Western powers to support his Gaza initiative, Egypt plans to convene another conference next month — this time with UN participation — to discuss Gaza reconstruction, an undertaking that will reportedly cost upward of $70 billion. According to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the goal of the conference is to secure donations to rebuild the enclave, and the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Palestinian Authority will help organize it.
• Cross-Border Drones: Despite their 1978-1979 peace treaty, Israel-Egypt tensions have recently reemerged over Egypt’s military buildup in the Sinai, and cross-border smuggling using drones. Jerusalem has accused Cairo of expanding military infrastructure in the Sinai Peninsula, in violation of the peace treaty. Additionally, Israeli officials have reported a sharp increase in drone smuggling from Egypt, with some of the unmanned aircraft carrying weapons.

FDD Expert Response

“After refusing Palestinian refugees and thus prolonging the Gaza war, Egypt managed to reposition itself diplomatically with the Sharm el-Sheikh summit and the reconstruction conference. Hosting is cost-free for Cairo. Israel is right to spotlight these bilateral engagements — and the need for deeper Egyptian cooperation. But Jerusalem is also correct to raise security concerns over Sinai. The current ceasefire offers a moment to reassert scrutiny over Egypt’s actions — and remind Cairo that U.S. aid comes with obligations tied to Sinai demilitarization.” — Mark Dubowitz, CEO

“Rashad’s presence in Israel suggests that Egypt is deeply concerned about a renewal of the conflict in Gaza. If Egypt wants stability on its northern border, then it must actively pursue the next milestone under the terms of the ceasefire, namely, the disarmament of Hamas and its removal from power.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal

FDD Background and Analysis

“Egypt Says 15 Palestinian Technocrats Approved To Manage Post-War Gaza,” FDD Flash Brief

“FAQ: What To Know About Phase One of the Gaza Ceasefire,” by Aaron Goren

“Egypt to Propose Alternative Plan for Rebuilding Gaza,” FDD Flash Brief

“Israel Moves to Counter Drone Threat on Egyptian Border,” by Mariam Wahba

“Israel War: Why Won’t Egypt Want Gaza Refugees?,” by Haisam Hassanein