Tel Aviv is reportedly growing increasingly concerned about the strengthening relationship between Egypt and Algeria, viewing it as a potential challenge to its regional influence. A recent analysis highlights anxieties within Israeli security and strategic circles regarding Egypt’s expanding role on both the Arab and African stages.
The report emphasizes Egypt’s increased military presence in Libya and Sudan, alongside deepening security coordination with countries like Algeria and Iraq. These actions are perceived as reflecting broader strategic ambitions by Cairo, potentially reshaping regional balances in ways unfavorable to Israeli interests.
Egypt’s Evolving Role
The assessment suggests that Egypt, under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, is moving beyond its traditional role as a neutral mediator in regional conflicts. Instead, it is actively pursuing a more assertive leadership position, capitalizing on the political and security vacuum left by other regional powers in recent years. This shift is causing unease among Israeli decision-makers, who have long viewed Egypt as a predictable security partner with limited regional aspirations.
However, Tel Aviv believes that el-Sisi is steering Egypt towards reclaiming its historical role as a significant regional power, a trajectory that often clashes with Israeli interests. The report notes that the growing security and political coordination between Egypt and Algeria is a particular source of concern.
Algeria’s Stance a Key Factor
Algeria, known for its firm rejection of normalization with Israel and its unwavering stance on the Palestinian issue, represents a stark contrast to Tel Aviv’s regional ambitions. From an Israeli perspective, Cairo’s alignment with Algeria in security, military, and political domains raises the specter of a new Arab axis that does not prioritize Israeli interests. This evolving dynamic is being closely monitored as it has the potential to reshape the geopolitical landscape.
