(Institute for National Security Studies-Tel Aviv University) Dr. Ofir Winter - Egyptian commentators noted that the meeting of Israeli, Egyptian and UAE leaders in Sharm el-Sheikh reflects an interest in forming new regional alliances in light of reduced U.S. involvement in the region. Cairo's main concern is an increase in Iran's subversive activities under the cover of a renewed nuclear agreement, particularly in relation to the Houthis, who target Egypt's Gulf allies and could disrupt the Suez Canal. The war in Ukraine is another concern. Egypt imports 50% of its wheat from Russia, relied on Russian tourism, and placed hope in a number of Russian economic projects in its territory. Last week, Israel engaged to help Egypt compensate for the loss of tourism from Russia and Ukraine, when it agreed to open a new air route between Tel Aviv and Sharm el-Sheikh. The writer, a research fellow at INSS, is a lecturer at the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies at Tel Aviv University.
2022-03-24 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive