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Egyptian Official Condemns Netanyahu’s Gas Deal Threat, Accuses him of “Delusion”
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Cairo - A top Egyptian official sharply criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following reports he was considering suspending a lucrative gas supply agreement with Egypt.The rebuke included a direct challenge to Netanyahu and accusations of pursuing policies detrimental to Palestinian rights.
Netanyahu Considers Gas Deal Suspension
The controversy stems from a report in the Israeli newspaper harian Hayom on Tuesday, stating that Netanyahu had instructed officials to halt further progress on the gas agreement without his explicit approval. This move prompted a swift and forceful response from Egyptian authorities.
SIS Head Diaa Rashwan’s Strong Condemnation
Diaa Rashwan, Head of Egypt’s State Facts Service (SIS), delivered a scathing statement broadcast on television. He directly addressed Netanyahu, using the term “delusi” (translated as delusional) and challenged him to unilaterally cancel the gas agreement, asserting that Netanyahu would be unable to withstand the resulting economic and political repercussions.
“Netanyahu was unable to bear the economic and political consequences of the cancellation of the gas agreement.”
Rashwan further accused Netanyahu of viewing Egypt as an impediment to the realization of a “Greater Israel” and a threat to his political ambitions, especially concerning the displacement of Palestinians. He emphasized Cairo’s role as a crucial defense against such actions.
“(Netanyahu) views Egypt as an obstacle for his dream to realize Israel Raya and the danger for him, the thorns in his flesh, especially because Cairo is the first defense line against the eviction of Palestinians.”
The Egypt-Israel Gas Agreement: A Key Partnership
The gas agreement between egypt and Israel is a significant economic partnership,allowing Israel to import natural gas from Egypt.Any disruption to this supply could have substantial consequences for Israel’s energy security and economy. The details of the agreement, including volume and pricing, are commercially sensitive but represent a substantial trade relationship.
Context and Future Implications
This dispute occurs against a backdrop of ongoing regional tensions and shifting geopolitical dynamics. The potential suspension of the gas agreement highlights the fragility of economic cooperation in the Middle east and the influence of political considerations on vital infrastructure projects. The situation also underscores Egypt’s continued importance as a key player in regional stability and a defender of Palestinian rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What prompted the Egyptian official’s statement?
- The statement from Diaa Rashwan followed reports in Israeli media that Prime Minister Netanyahu was considering suspending the gas supply agreement between Israel and Egypt.
- What did Rashwan specifically accuse Netanyahu of?
- Rashwan accused Netanyahu of being “delusi” and of viewing Egypt as an obstacle to the creation of a “Greater Israel,” as well as a threat to his political ambitions regarding Palestinians.
- What is the importance of the gas agreement between Egypt and Israel?
- The gas agreement is a crucial economic partnership, providing Israel with a significant source of natural gas and impacting its energy security.
- What was Rashwan’s challenge to netanyahu regarding the gas agreement?
- Rashwan challenged Netanyahu to cancel the gas agreement, stating he believed Netanyahu would be unable to handle the economic and political fallout.
- Where did the initial report about Netanyahu’s consideration of suspension originate?
- The report originated in the Israeli newspaper Harian Hayom on Tuesday.