Tensions between Egypt and the U.S. threaten the Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty as President Trump considers cutting off aid to Egypt linked to his controversial Gaza refugee plan. Egypt has suspended a significant meeting with Trump amid historical lows in bilateral relations. As ongoing aid discussions ensue, both Egypt and Jordan oppose the expulsion of Palestinians and support a two-state solution, indicating complex geopolitical ramifications for the region.
The Egyptian-Israeli peace agreement is under threat if U.S. President Donald Trump proceeds with his threats to cut off financial aid to Egypt. Diplomatic sources in Cairo indicate that a pivotal meeting between Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Trump has been indefinitely postponed amid a severe deterioration in U.S.-Egypt relations. This is largely due to Cairo’s strong rejection of Trump’s controversial plan to displace Palestinians from Gaza while facilitating reconstruction efforts in the region.
In January, the U.S. administration temporarily halted international aid for extensive review but exempted both Israel and Egypt because of the ongoing conflict. Reports from the Saudi television network Al-Arabiya reveal that Egypt is now preparing contingency plans to counter any U.S. pressure concerning the potential cessation of aid, specifically pertaining to the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.
As the third-largest recipient of U.S. aid, Egypt’s finances would face significant repercussions with the cessation of approximately $2.1 billion in aid, composed primarily of military funding. Insights from the Egyptian newspaper Al-Masry Al-Youm affirm that the U.S. has historically manipulated aid as leverage against the Egyptian government. This relationship has been central, given Egypt’s essential role in regional security and the peace framework with Israel.
While both Egypt and Israel remain exempt from recent aid freezes, U.S. financial support to Jordan, amassing roughly $1.4 billion, faced suspension. This assistance is crucial for Jordan’s economic stability, yet King Abdullah II is expected to meet with Trump in Washington. Following this aid suspension announcement, King Abdullah also engaged with European leadership to solidify strategic partnerships that focus on a range of issues including refugee management.
Historically, U.S.-Jordan relations have been grounded in mutual interests, specifically in combating terrorism. Approximately 3,000 U.S. troops are stationed in Jordan, facilitating joint military training. Despite past tensions, Professor Ronen Yitzhak underscores that the Jordanian public sentiment increasingly aligns with supporting Palestinian rights and that King Abdullah embodies a position independent from U.S. directives.
In conclusion, the deteriorating U.S.-Egypt relations pose severe risks to the long-standing peace treaty between Egypt and Israel. The dynamics of aid distribution also underscore the fragile interdependencies within the Middle East, with both Egypt and Jordan expressing resolute opposition to the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza. The geopolitical landscape may shift significantly, especially if Trump’s threats to reduce aid materialize, leading to potential new alliances unfavorable to Israel.
Original Source: www.ynetnews.com
