Egyptian Intelligence Chief in Israel to Discuss Long-Term Cease-Fire

Egypt’s intelligence chief Abbas Kamel arrived in Israel to try and broker a long-term cease-fire between Israel and terror organizations in the Gaza Strip. Upon Kamel’s arrival on Sunday morning, he is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu; the head of the National Security Council Meir Ben Shabbat, Intelligence Minister Eli Cohen and other senior members of the defense establishment, the Kan national broadcaster reported. Kamel also is expected to visit Ramallah and the Gaza Strip for meetings.

Also on Sunday, Israel’s Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi left for Egypt, the first visit by an Israeli foreign minister to Egypt in 13 years. Ashkenazi is scheduled to meet with his counterpart, Sameh Shoukry. The meeting reportedly is to shore up bilateral relations between Egypt and Israel that have ben foundering for a long time.

Egypt reportedly has informed Hamas in Gaza that any long-term truce must include negotiations on the return of the bodies of two Israeli soldiers and two Israeli men, believed to be alive, being held by Hamas, The English-language The New Arab news website reported.