Skip to main content

Israel Needs Better Grasp Of US Concerns on Egypt

Israel’s efforts to get the Obama administration to hold back on its response to the killing of hundreds of demonstrators in Egypt signifies a dearth of any deep understanding behind US policy and its underlying values.
An Israeli flag (L) flutters next to an Egyptian one at the Nitzana crossing, along Israel's border with Egypt's Sinai desert, as seen from the Israeli side August 20, 2013. Egypt began three days of official mourning for 25 policemen killed on Monday by suspected Islamist militants in the Sinai near the desert border with Israel. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun (ISRAEL - Tags: POLITICS) - RTX12RGM
Read in 

Israel is incapable of understanding the reservations that the United States has when confronting the ferocious civil war in Egypt. This is glaringly obvious, and can be seen in a series of disdainful questions asked by the Israeli media: “What’s the matter with those self-righteous Americans?” or “How can the administration even consider imposing sanctions against the acting regime in Egypt, which is doing all the dirty work for it?” Questions such as these came up again and again in TV studios and newspapers alike.

“What does [President Barack] Obama even know about the Middle East? How can the US not cheer on the Egyptian army, which is taking resolute action against a movement that operates a terrorist branch that gave rise to Osama bin Laden and his supporters?” Yes, this was said by news commentators, but the question marks were inserted into the discussion by senior figures in the political and security establishment. They could not say publicly what they really felt about how the Obama administration’s stance would impact events in Egypt and Israel’s security situation.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.