Experts deem the likelihood of Egypt accepting Yair Lapid’s Gaza plan as unlikely, warning of severe consequences. Dekel criticized the plan for potentially strengthening hostile ties with Hamas while the Egyptian Foreign Ministry rejected it, stating it fails to address the conflict’s root causes. Lapid’s proposal includes Egypt overseeing Gaza for 15 years while canceling its debts, seen as insufficient by critics.
The chances of Egypt accepting Yair Lapid’s Gaza plan are minimal, according to Lt.-Col. (res.) Eli Dekel, a former intelligence officer and Egypt expert. He warned that such acceptance would lead to disastrous outcomes for both Israel and Egypt. Dekel highlighted that Egypt has historically neglected agreements, particularly the peace treaty with Israel, suggesting that allowing a hostile population closer could be perceived as “national suicide.”
Lapid’s proposal includes potentially erasing $75 billion of Egypt’s debts, a substantial offer that Dekel believes would only serve to escalate tensions. He criticized the plan, arguing that rewarding Egypt, a nation that has supported Hamas, is counterproductive, especially given the attacks on Israeli civilians by Hamas. He stated, “I see no reason to pamper them with such gifts.”
Responding to Lapid’s plan, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry emphasized that any proposals must align with established principles concerning Palestinian sovereignty. The spokesperson articulated that ignoring core issues, such as Israel’s withdrawal from occupied territories, renders proposals unacceptable. They criticized the Lapid plan as a temporary fix that fails to address the roots of the conflict.
Lapid’s Gaza plan, presented during his visit to Washington, suggests that Egypt would oversee Gaza for 15 years while the international community would relieve Egypt of its $155 billion debt. The plans were developed over several months with contributions from key political and security figures, and are seen as a supplement to U.S. President Trump’s approach to Gaza.
Eli Dekel’s analysis of Yair Lapid’s Gaza plan underscores significant concerns regarding Egypt’s role and the potential repercussions for Israel. The rejection of such proposals by Egypt highlights the necessity for solutions that genuinely address the core issues of the conflict. Moreover, the international community’s involvement and financial incentives remain contentious points in discussions about Gaza’s future governance.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
