Publication

This brief discusses the significance of a recent speech given by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi where he intimated that Egyptian-Israeli relations would “grow warmer once the Palestinian problem is solved.” El-Sisi’s speech seems to mark the culmination of a string of statements by former senior Egyptian state and military officials that call for a reassessment, under certain conditions, of Egypt’s past policies. So, why is this happening? This brief’s author argues that the pronouncements reflect Egypt’s genuine interest, along with other Arab states, in creating a “new regional order” that will include broader and more open cooperation with Israel, and thereby promote regional security, stability and economic wellbeing. (Note: The speech occurred on 17 May 2016.)