Egypt’s initiative for anti-Israel Arab alliance rejected at Doha summit
Egypt’s proposal to establish a “NATO-style” military alliance in the face of “external threats, particularly Israel,” was rejected at a summit of Arab and Islamic nations in Doha last week, a report said.
During an emergency summit of Arab and Islamic leaders held in the Qatari capital Doha in mid-September, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi proposed creating “a rapid-response alliance to shield member states from external threats, particularly Israel," the Middle East Eye reported Saturday.
Citing a senior Egyptian diplomat, the report said el-Sisi presented the proposal “as a defensive step to protect the region without relying on foreign powers.”
Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), however, blocked the initiative, citing leadership disputes. It said Saudi Arabia sought command of the force, while Egypt claimed its military experience made it best suited.
President el-Sisi, according to the diplomat, left Doha “deeply frustrated” after his proposal was rejected.
Israel’s airstrikes targeting Hamas leaders in Doha on September 9 sparked security concerns across the Arab world, with analysts saying Tel Aviv no longer considers any Arab capital a “safe zone.”
During the Doha summit, which brought together leaders from the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Egyptian president described Israel as an “enemy.”
The participants condemned Israel’s “cowardly” attack on Hamas leaders in Doha but failed to commit to concrete action.
The 1950 Joint Defense and Economic Cooperation Treaty created a framework for collective security among Arab states. Egypt had floated a similar plan in 2015, but it was hampered by leadership disputes.
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