Israel cannot afford to ignore China’s growing strategic ties with Egypt - opinion

Chinese President Xi Jinping recently visited Cairo, marking a significant shift in strategic ties that Israel cannot afford to ignore. His visit to Egypt followed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Kyrgyzstan. This itinerary highlights how Beijing views Cairo as a key player in its strategic planning. Relations between China and Egypt are complex, influenced by Egypt's longstanding ties with the United States.

The Egyptian newspaper, Al-Masry Al-Youm, notes that the relationship is entering a new phase, with cooperation expected to grow in sectors like artificial intelligence and energy. A recent joint air exercise saw China deploy multirole Shenyang J-16 fighter jets to Africa for the first time. This move signifies a growing presence of a global power in Egypt.

However, the broader story here is the changing dynamics in the Middle East that should concern Israel. Yet, Israel's government has been either unresponsive or lacking in addressing these changes. The peace treaty between Israel and Egypt, an anchor of regional stability, should have a more strategic approach. Instead, the government's foreign policy is driven by short-term domestic politics and lacks the ability to manage complex dialogues.

This has implications for Israel's security, diplomacy, and economic interests. To change this, Israel needs a government that truly manages the country, not one focused on short-term gains. The next government should have diverse experience in managing complex issues, expertise in their field, and a clear policy agenda. With the right leadership, Israel could strengthen its ties with Egypt and other regional partners, ensuring a more secure and stable future.