Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi finds himself at a defining moment. The Israel-Hamas war has reshaped the region, and Egypt’s role as a mediator is more critical than ever. The question is: Can Sisi step into the footsteps of Anwar Sadat and chart a new course toward peace?
Sadat’s Bold Move That Changed History
Anwar Sadat’s visit to Israel in 1977 was an earthquake in Middle Eastern politics. No Arab leader had ever taken such a step. It was an act of diplomacy that cost him his life but earned Egypt peace with Israel—a deal that has endured for 46 years.
Back then, Sadat leveraged the outcome of the 1973 Yom Kippur War to negotiate the return of Sinai. This allowed him to claim victory and move forward. The 1979 treaty with Israel, brokered by the U.S., transformed Egypt’s regional standing. It also paved the way for future agreements, from the Oslo Accords to the Abraham Accords.
Despite resistance from the Arab world at the time, Sadat’s gamble ultimately set a precedent. The question is whether Sisi can muster the same vision and courage.
Egypt’s Unique Position in the Gaza Crisis
Egypt has always had a special connection to Gaza. Before the Six-Day War in 1967, the territory was under Egyptian administration. Even after Israel took control, Cairo remained a key player, often mediating between Israel and Palestinian factions.
This war has drawn Egypt deeper into the crisis than ever before. The Rafah border crossing—Gaza’s lifeline—has been in the global spotlight. With humanitarian needs at an all-time high and pressure mounting from both Arab and Western powers, Egypt is under intense scrutiny.
One sentence for emphasis: Sisi cannot afford to stay on the sidelines.
A $53 Billion Reconstruction Plan—And Its Challenges
At the recent Arab Summit in Cairo, Sisi laid out a five-year, $53 billion plan for Gaza’s reconstruction. The initiative includes key provisions:
- Excluding Hamas from governance, shifting control to a technocratic Palestinian committee.
- Training Palestinian security forces to ensure stability.
- Involving international actors, possibly even a UN peacekeeping force.
- Rejecting the forced displacement of Gazans, a red line for Egypt.
The plan has broad regional support, but it faces serious roadblocks. Israel remains skeptical about the Palestinian Authority’s ability to govern Gaza. Hamas, meanwhile, has signaled a willingness to step aside—but only if an internal Palestinian consensus is reached.
For this plan to succeed, Egypt must navigate between Israeli concerns, Palestinian political divides, and Western diplomatic interests. A daunting task, no doubt.
Can Sisi Pressure Israel for an Exit Strategy?
Sisi has leverage. The Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty has held firm for nearly five decades, but Cairo could use it as a bargaining chip if necessary. Egypt has made it clear that any forced expulsion of Palestinians into Sinai would cross a red line.
Bilateral discussions between Egypt and Israel are now essential. Phased Israeli withdrawal, security coordination, and post-war governance structures must be addressed. Without a clear exit plan, the war will drag on, and instability will persist.
Egypt’s diplomatic weight could be decisive. If Sisi pushes hard enough, he may be able to shape the post-war landscape in a way that serves both Egyptian and regional stability interests.
The Moment of Decision
Egypt and Israel just marked 46 years of peace. That treaty changed the region’s trajectory. Today, another opportunity stands before Cairo.
Will Sisi take a bold step like Sadat? Will he push for an endgame to the war in Gaza? Time is running out, and the weight of history rests on his shoulders.
