Shared threats and regional turmoil have brought Israel and Egypt to work more closely together.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Sunday that Israel’s ties and cooperation with its southern neighbor Egypt are stronger today than ever before, and this amid the shared challenges both countries face.
Netanyahu was speaking at a memorial ceremony for Israel’s presidents and prime ministers, which is marked annually at the beginning of the Jewish month of Nissan. According to Jewish tradition, the first of Nissan marks the beginning of a king’s year on the throne, Israel Radio reported.
“The ties between Egypt and Israel are an important part of the national security of both countries,” Netanyahu declared.
Israel and Egypt signed a historic peace accord in 1979, but relations have often been cool.
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In February, Israel’s ties with Egypt deepened when Egypt’s new Ambassador to Israel, Hazem Ahdy Khairat, presented his diplomatic credentials to President Reuven Rivlin.
Khairat’s appointment marks the end of a three year period since November 2012, during which there was no Egyptian ambassador in Israel.
In September 2015, Israel reopened its embassy in Cairo, four years after it was ransacked by a violent mob and forced to shut down.
Israel and Egypt are reportedly collaborating in the war of Islamic terrorism, which is threatening the stability in the region.
By: Max Gelber, United with Isarel