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Israel Tightens Cooperation with Egypt
(Al-Monitor) Ben Caspit - Egyptian intelligence director Maj.-Gen. Abbas Kamel, President Sisi's right-hand man, met with Israeli leaders in Jerusalem on Aug. 18-19. Contrary to previous visits, Kamel did not insist on secrecy. "On the contrary," a senior Israeli diplomatic source said, "they want their photos taken and they want to be seen with us, just like the Jordanians. Relations with Israel have become an asset rather than being a burden." It was reported that Sisi had invited Israeli Prime Minister Bennett to visit Egypt. At the same time, a senior Israeli officer was visiting Cairo for talks on ongoing efforts to establish a long-term cease-fire with Hamas, which would include returning the bodies of two Israeli soldiers and releasing two civilians held in Gaza. The last time a Democratic president held power in Washington, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak was forced to step down. To this day, the Egyptians claim Obama "threw Mubarak under the wheels of the bus." Sisi's human rights record is not much better than Mubarak's. The Egyptians are asking for Biden's understanding of the importance of a stable regime in Cairo and Israel is the main conduit of this argument. In return, Israel wants Egypt to redouble its efforts to block supplies to Hamas arsenals through the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Sinai.