Israel satisfied with Egypt relations post-coup

Former Israeli deputy foreign minister Yossi Beilin said that Israel is satisfied with relations with Egypt after the July 3 coup because Hamas has become the common enemy of the two countries.

In an article published on Israel Today website Sunday, Beilin warned that “public” diplomatic relations between the two countries are weak and that the Egyptians “forgot to return the ambassador” which had been recalled since the “Operation Pillar of Defence” in Gaza, 2012.

In terms of official diplomacy, Egypt remains far away from Israel, he said.

Moreover, he pointed out that “bad things” are happening in Egypt, and that “the regime is reminiscent of the authoritarian Nasser regime”. He also referred to the mass death sentences against opposition protesters, saying that they add to the negative image which turns the international community against the Egyptian regime.

Regarding security in the Sinai, Beilin suggested that coordination between the two sides is not enough, and should not be deemed an alternative to official diplomacy.