The Lebanese daily Al-Akhbar, known for its closeness to Hezbollah, reported that the Egyptian government has launched a diplomatic initiative aimed at convincing Arab states to form a joint military force to counter Israeli threats.
According to the paper, Cairo has continued reducing its diplomatic contacts with the Israeli occupation, which have already fallen to their lowest levels since the start of the Gaza war. The report added: “In light of Cairo’s position, Washington has stepped in to relay essential information.” Egypt’s proposed plan envisions the creation of a “Joint Arab Military Force” capable of protecting Arab states against occupation aggression.
Coordinated Pressure on Israel
At the same time, Egypt has been working closely with Saudi Arabia and France to intensify diplomatic pressure on Israel, particularly in light of Qatar’s calls for escalation. During a special UN Security Council session addressing the Israeli attack on Hamas officials in Doha, Egypt’s representative used unusually sharp language to voice Cairo’s discontent.
The initiative is seen as part of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s attempt to regain Arab support by reviving the long-discussed idea of a joint Arab defence structure—something akin to a NATO-style alliance, but designed to protect Arab states.
A Proposal Revived Ahead of Doha Summit
The proposal has resurfaced during ongoing diplomatic consultations in preparation for the Arab-Islamic Summit scheduled for Monday in Doha. According to an Egyptian official, Cairo is pinning its hopes on securing backing for the project, which was first introduced nearly nine years ago but stalled due to regional disputes.
The source admitted, however, that major obstacles remain—chief among them the timing of intervention and the operational framework of such a force.
Structure and Leadership of the Force
Egypt is currently drafting proposals through its military channels to outline mechanisms that would allow the force to be deployed when needed. The design would account for the population size and military strength of each Arab state, while carefully maintaining regional and political balances.
This could include participation of troops from North African countries such as Morocco and Algeria, alongside a clear distribution of leadership roles. According to a senior source, Egypt is keen to retain supreme command, while offering deputy leadership to Saudi Arabia or another Gulf state.
Analysis
The revival of the joint Arab force proposal reflects Cairo’s desire to reposition itself at the centre of Arab defence strategy at a time of deepening Israeli aggression and widening instability in the region. While the idea appeals to many Arab populations yearning for unity and protection against occupation, its feasibility hinges on whether Arab regimes can overcome political rivalries and align their militaries for a common cause.
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