Israel discusses fighting terror with Egypt’s spy chief

Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz yesterday met with the head of Egypt’s General Intelligence Service Abbas Kamel and discussed fighting terrorism, Israeli media reported.

During the meeting, Gantz and Kamel discussed several issues, including the need for stability and fighting terrorism.

“I met with Head of Egypt’s General Intelligence Service Abbas Kamel,” Gantz said. “We discussed several issues, including maintaining regional stability, as well as regional efforts to fight terrorism.”

He added: “I thanked him for Egypt’s positive role in the region and asked him to pass my gratitude to President [Abdel Fattah] el Sisi.”

According to Israel’s Kan public broadcaster, Gantz said: “Israel sees much importance for achieving long-term calm in the south.”

He also said that Israel is highly interested in the release of the Israeli soldiers held as prisoners of war in the Gaza Strip.

Meanwhile, member of Hamas’ Political Bureau Mahmoud Al Zahar insisted that any prisoner swap deal would not be linked to improving the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip or easing the Israeli siege.

READ: Egypt’s intelligence chief in Ramallah, Tel Aviv to discuss peace process