There’s no question Qatar’s been playing a big role in Gaza. But as talks drag on and tensions bubble beneath the surface, some in Israel are starting to wonder—has Egypt been sidelined too far?
Recent reports surrounding the murky “Qatargate” affair have reignited concerns inside Israel’s policy circles. If the claims are even partly true—that senior Israeli advisers worked behind the scenes to boost Qatar’s international status while brushing Egypt aside—then this could mark more than just a diplomatic misstep. It may reshape how Israel handles its closest regional partnerships.
Cairo Still Wields Quiet Influence
Let’s be real—Egypt has always had a seat at the table when it comes to Gaza.
Its intelligence services are deeply embedded in Palestinian affairs. They’ve played mediator, enforcer, and sometimes even fixer, juggling competing interests with a poker face that rarely cracks.
No other country, not even Qatar with all its cash and soft diplomacy, has quite the same level of boots-on-the-ground intelligence—or sway over Hamas.
Egypt doesn’t shout. But it listens, it knows, and when it moves, it does so with precision.
One-liner worth repeating: You don’t run a truce in Gaza without Egypt’s number on speed dial.
Qatar: Partner, Rival, or Both?
Qatar’s role in Gaza has grown sharply over the past decade. Financial aid? Check. Political leverage? Check. Media platforms like Al Jazeera pushing narratives? Absolutely.
Qatar’s past backing of the Muslim Brotherhood and its uneasy relationship with Cairo has long triggered red flags in Egypt. The 2017–2021 Arab coalition boycott of Qatar—which Egypt was part of—wasn’t just a Gulf rivalry thing. It ran deeper, rooted in ideology and trust.
Yet despite this history, Egypt and Qatar somehow learned to work together. Or maybe, more accurately, they learned to manage the tension.
Israel’s Quiet Bet on Doha Raises Eyebrows
In the shadow of ceasefire talks and hostage negotiations, Israel seems to have cozied up a bit more to Qatar lately. Why? Mainly because Qatar has leverage with Hamas—and also because it controls the purse strings for much of the humanitarian aid that flows into Gaza.
But critics within Israel are now asking: has that tilt gone too far?
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Allegations in the Qatargate affair suggest Israeli advisers tried to boost Qatar’s image globally
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Simultaneously, there are claims they worked to undercut Egypt’s perceived role in Gaza mediation
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This has sparked fears of alienating Egypt, a longtime regional ally
If Israel is seen as picking Doha over Cairo, even subtly, it risks burning a bridge it may desperately need in the future.
A Balancing Act With No Easy Answers
This isn’t a zero-sum game. Both Egypt and Qatar have something Israel needs. Qatar brings access, money, and open lines to Hamas. Egypt brings credibility, history, and regional weight.
Trying to rely too heavily on either could backfire.
Let’s break it down simply:
| Country | What It Offers in Gaza Mediation | Risk If Sidelined |
|---|---|---|
| Egypt | Long-term intelligence links, trust with Israel and the West, control of Rafah crossing | Damaged trust, less coordination, security fallout |
| Qatar | Influence over Hamas, deep pockets, access to international mediators | Potential fallout with Gulf states, over-reliance on one actor |
Israel has to keep both happy—or at least not push either too far.
What’s Next? All Eyes on Cairo
As ceasefire talks stall and new geopolitical power plays emerge, one thing is becoming clear: Egypt isn’t going to sit this one out quietly.
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi may not make dramatic declarations, but he doesn’t take kindly to being brushed aside. And Israel knows this.
In the months ahead, we may see:
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A recalibration of how Israel publicly and privately interacts with both Cairo and Doha
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Quiet, behind-the-scenes diplomacy to reassure Egypt of its continued importance
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More attention to optics, especially in how mediation roles are presented globally
And here’s a bit of irony: the more Qatar becomes visible in Gaza, the more valuable Egypt’s steady, low-profile role may become.
