Why Egyptian President El-Sisi Prefers to Avoid Meeting Trump
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi is reportedly hesitant to meet with former U.S. President Donald Trump, despite an invitation to discuss the future of Gaza. According to The Wall Street Journal, Egyptian officials revealed that El-Sisi is concerned about public perception and the potential political risks of such a meeting, particularly as Trump continues to push for a controversial relocation plan for Gaza residents.
This reluctance underscores Egypt's firm stance on preserving Palestinian rights and avoiding external pressure that could undermine regional stability.
Egypt's Firm Stance on the Gaza Plan
Cairo’s Rejection of Trump’s Proposal
Trump has been vocal about his Gaza resettlement plan, suggesting that Egypt and Jordan could host displaced Palestinians. However, the Egyptian government has rejected this proposal outright, emphasizing that any forced displacement of Palestinians would be unacceptable.
El-Sisi recently reaffirmed his position, stating that Egypt's priority is rebuilding Gaza rather than facilitating a mass exodus of its residents. The Egyptian leadership fears that any move to accommodate Trump's proposal could create security risks and provoke domestic backlash.
Read more about Egypt's stance on Trump's plan here.
Fear of U.S. Pressure and Public Backlash
Another key reason behind El-Sisi’s reluctance to meet with Trump is the risk of being pressured publicly. A direct engagement with Trump could force El-Sisi into a difficult diplomatic position, especially given the strong opposition from the Egyptian public and political circles.
Egyptian officials have warned that any meeting could be framed as a concession to American interests, leading to significant political fallout at home. Given the historical tensions surrounding U.S. involvement in the Middle East, Cairo prefers to maintain a calculated diplomatic approach rather than engage in premature discussions.
Explore Trump’s history in Middle East diplomacy here.
Jordan's Role and Regional Coordination
King Abdullah II’s Meeting with Trump
While Egypt remains cautious, Jordanian King Abdullah II has already met with Trump to discuss the Gaza issue. During their meeting in Washington, Trump reiterated his vision of controlling and managing Gaza, while also acknowledging the significant financial aid provided by the U.S. to Jordan and Egypt.
Despite this meeting, Jordan has made it clear that a coordinated Arab response will be presented at the upcoming Cairo summit on February 27. King Abdullah suggested that the final position on the Gaza plan will be shaped through Egyptian leadership and Saudi Arabian discussions.
Read more about Jordan’s response to Trump’s plan here.
What’s Next? The Cairo Summit and Regional Implications
The Upcoming Arab Summit in Cairo
The upcoming Arab Summit in Cairo will serve as a crucial platform for discussing the future of Gaza. Arab leaders, including representatives from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan, are expected to reject any form of forced displacement of Palestinians while reinforcing a regional strategy for Gaza’s reconstruction.
The Impact on U.S.-Arab Relations
El-Sisi's hesitation to engage with Trump signals a wider trend in U.S.-Arab relations. Many Middle Eastern nations are increasingly wary of American proposals that appear to serve U.S. and Israeli interests rather than regional stability.
Moving forward, Egypt’s leadership will likely continue to emphasize Gaza’s right to self-determination while balancing diplomatic ties with the U.S.
President El-Sisi's decision to avoid a direct meeting with Trump is rooted in Egypt’s commitment to Palestinian rights, domestic political stability, and regional security concerns. As the Cairo summit approaches, the international community will be watching closely to see how Arab nations coordinate their response to Trump’s controversial Gaza proposal.
Stay updated on the latest developments in Middle East diplomacy here.