Israel-Egypt peace treaty has stood the test of time over 45 years: expert explains its significance
The peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, signed in 1979 to end hostilities and normalise relations between them, turns 45 on 26 March. The Conversation Africa asked Ofir Winter, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies, who studies Egyptian politics and the Arab-Israeli conflict, for his insights on the peace deal and the key challenging moments since it was signed.When and why did the peace treaty come into force?It marked the first treaty of its kind between an Arab country and Israel.
The peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, signed in 1979 to end hostilities and normalise relations between them, turns 45 on 26 March. The Conversation Africa asked Ofir Winter, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies, who studies Egyptian politics and the Arab-Israeli conflict, for his insights on the peace deal and the key challenging moments since it was signed.
When and why did the peace treaty come into force?
- It marked the first treaty of its kind between an Arab country and Israel.
- Since then, five more Arab countries – Jordan, the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan – have made peace with Israel.
- The peace deal, and its consequences, are viewed as having reshaped the history of the Arab-Israeli conflict for the better.
- And it wanted to strengthen its ties with the United States, by being at peace with its ally, Israel.
What challenges has the treaty faced?
- Since then, the Israeli embassy has left its previous permanent residence and operates on a reduced scale and with a lower profile.
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Hamas-Israeli conflict: what's at stake for EgyptHowever, past crises did not escalate to the point of suspending the peace agreement.
- Egypt also benefits from intelligence cooperation with Israel in the fight against terrorism in Sinai.
Gaza conflict and the peace treaty
- Even before the current war, Egypt had long been concerned about alleged Israeli plots to resolve the Gaza issue at its expense.
- According to the military appendix of the 1979 peace agreement, areas C and D near the Egyptian-Israeli border are subject to demilitarisation.
- A mechanism of military coordination between the Israeli and Egyptian defence forces monitors the parties’ commitments in the peace agreement.
- Even amid the tensions stemming from the war in Gaza, Egypt has no intention of abrogating its peace treaty with Israel.
- These include recalling the Egyptian ambassador from Tel Aviv, before resorting to more severe actions like suspending the peace treaty or some of its aspects, which could be harmful for both sides.
Ofir Winter does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.