The Israeli announcement approving the gas deal with Egypt continues to spark debate around the concept of economic peace promoted by former US President Donald Trump, as well as Egyptian concerns about offering a political gift to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the eve of the upcoming elections. This indicates that approval of this massive deal is not merely a major economic step, but rather a quiet struggle to shape the next phase of the Middle East.
Eidan Keifler, an economic researcher writing for the Walla website, stated that when the prime minister approves the gas deal with Egypt, he is not only promoting an economic step in the energy sector, but also sending a clear political message to President Trump, namely that he listened to him and to American pressure and moved forward to the very end. On their part, the Egyptians were quick to stress that this represents a shared interest for both sides, a claim that is true in itself. However, there are those in Cairo who question why this step is being taken in the first place, and whether it is supposed to include a historic meeting between Netanyahu and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el Sisi.
He added, in an article translated by Arabi21, that this deal highlighted Trump’s role, as he wishes to see Netanyahu and el Sisi meet publicly, not only as a continuation of an existing peace agreement, but as living proof that peace in the Middle East is not merely a signed document, but an active process. Even between countries that live in peace, friendship is not always a genuine friendship. Trump wants to show that this relationship translates into real cooperation. This step aligns with the concept of economic peace that Trump promotes toward Egypt and Lebanon, and perhaps later toward the Gaza Strip as well.
He stressed that this is part of the United States’ desire to implement what it sees as the second phase in Gaza, and to announce what Trump considers an international stabilising force and a peace council, even before Netanyahu arrives in Washington, where he wants approval for this entire step. In this sense, Trump would be pleased by el Sisi’s arrival as well. However, in Cairo, officials are quick to temper expectations and do not confirm that such a meeting will take place. Nevertheless, it is clear that the meeting will indeed be held, and that approval of the gas deal, despite everything, could serve as a bridge.
He pointed out that Egyptians are hesitant to offer a political gift to Netanyahu on the eve of the Israeli election campaign, which has already begun and is expected to take place in November 2026, less than a year away. Nevertheless, given the multiplicity of interests, this hesitation may remain confined to Cairo, because everything here is intertwined: Gaza, Egypt, Trump, who wants to be portrayed as a global peacemaker, and Netanyahu, who on the one hand wants to present himself as protecting the vital interests of the occupation, and on the other hand is sometimes seen behind the scenes in Washington as someone who slows down processes or even rejects them.
