Trump’s Gaza Plan Pushes Sisi Toward Collapse
President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi stands at a dangerous crossroads as Trump’s demand to relocate Palestinians from Gaza threatens his rule. Sisi, reliant on $1.3 billion in U.S. military aid, cannot outright reject the U.S. plan. Egyptian officials fear that agreeing to the proposal could ignite protests and undermine the regime’s hold on power. An Egyptian intelligence source described growing anxiety, noting, “Trump’s request has alarmed the Egyptian regime at all levels.” The conflict highlights the deep entanglement of Sisi’s leadership with American interests, forcing him into a precarious balancing act.
Arab Leaders Act but Remain Bound by Western Influence
Arab leaders, often bound by alliances with Washington or London, publicly denounce the displacement plan while working within foreign-imposed limitations. High-level discussions have taken place between Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the UAE, all of which reject forced Palestinian relocation. Behind the scenes, these states have proposed funding reconstruction efforts in Gaza and other war-torn areas. These proposals aim to steer U.S. policy away from relocation without risking direct defiance. A diplomatic insider emphasized, “Arab countries, led by Egypt, are scrambling to offer alternatives to Trump’s displacement plan.”
Sisi’s Political Dilemma Mirrors His Dependency
Sisi’s position as a proxy for U.S. policy leaves him with few options to protect Egypt’s interests. The Egyptian foreign ministry has warned that negotiating alternatives could present Egypt as the crisis’s primary solver, weakening its bargaining power. Despite these concerns, regional pressure has compelled Egypt to support a reconstruction initiative. Many officials fear the fallout from either decision could be catastrophic. One well-informed source summarized the dilemma, stating, “Sisi might be unable to completely reject Trump’s request, yet accepting it could be catastrophic for his regime.”
Global Pushback Fuels Regional Tensions
International rejection of Trump’s plan has added new pressure on Arab regimes to act. Saudi Arabia linked any potential normalization of relations with Israel to the creation of a Palestinian state, with Prince Turki al-Faisal condemning the plan as “mad ethnic cleansing.” European nations have echoed these concerns, emphasizing Palestinians’ right to remain in Gaza. Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares firmly stated, “Gaza is the land of Gazans.” Meanwhile, global human rights groups have labeled the relocation plan a clear violation of international law, urging immediate international action.
Public Anger in Egypt Raises the Stakes for Sisi
Growing public discontent has placed additional pressure on Sisi’s government, threatening to destabilize his fragile hold on power. Egyptian authorities organized protests at the Rafah border crossing to signal opposition to Trump’s plan while managing public sentiment. Sisi admitted the sensitivity of the issue, stating that “millions of Egyptians” would take to the streets if asked to accept displaced Palestinians. Economic hardship, including inflation and a weakened currency, has further fueled domestic unrest. These conditions have left Egypt’s leadership struggling to manage both external demands and internal instability.
Arab Diplomacy Attempts to Shield Sovereignty
Arab states, led by Egypt, have worked to present a unified stance against Palestinian displacement while managing their dependency on Western powers. Regional meetings have prioritized Palestinian sovereignty and highlighted the threat posed by Trump’s plan to regional stability. At the same time, state-run Egyptian media have warned of the long-term risks to national unity and security. Hamas has condemned the proposal, warning that any attempt to enforce relocation would trigger armed resistance. These coordinated efforts reflect a recognition that U.S.-backed policies in Gaza pose serious risks to the entire region.
Dependency Drives the Crisis for Sisi and Arab Allies
Sisi’s predicament showcases the broader weakness of regimes dependent on Western financial and military support. Trump’s demand for Palestinian displacement has exposed Egypt’s role as a client state, incapable of asserting full sovereignty. Diplomatic insiders confirm that Egypt’s leadership cannot afford to alienate its U.S. patron without risking severe consequences. Nevertheless, complying with Washington’s demands threatens to provoke unrest that could unravel the entire political structure. The crisis exemplifies the geopolitical trap in which authoritarian regimes reliant on foreign powers remain ensnared, risking collapse at the hands of both their benefactors and their populations.
