Egypt Postpones Israeli Ambassador’s Accreditation as Gaza War Strains Ties
Israel’s newly appointed ambassador to Egypt, Ori Rotman, was left off the guest list for a presidential accreditation ceremony in Cairo this week, a move that reflects both diplomatic friction over the war in Gaza and a power struggle between Egypt and Qatar over mediation efforts. The ceremony, hosted by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, included 23 new envoys but not Rotman, whose appointment has been pending since April 2024.
According to Qatari news outlet Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, Egyptian officials cited Israel’s continued military operations in Gaza and the Israeli government’s support for displacement plans as reasons for postponing Rotman’s credential presentation. Diplomatic sources also noted growing tensions between Egypt and Qatar, both of which are vying to shape a ceasefire agreement with Hamas.
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Cairo has taken a harder line against Hamas in recent months, pressuring the group to accept ceasefire terms and threatening to expel operatives who were freed to Egypt in previous prisoner exchanges. Qatar, which hosts Hamas political leaders and has been more aligned with the group, is believed to be undermining Cairo’s mediation efforts.
Egyptian sources told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that the delay does not signal a formal downgrade in diplomatic relations but reflects Cairo’s dissatisfaction with Israel’s handling of truce negotiations. “Israel is procrastinating in responding to regional and international efforts aimed at consolidating the ceasefire and alleviating the worsening humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip,” one source said.
Rotman’s absence was especially symbolic, as the event coincided with the 46th anniversary of the Egypt-Israel peace treaty. While security cooperation between the two countries continues, both the Israeli and Egyptian ambassadors have faced delays or absences, underscoring the fragile nature of the relationship.
