Al Jazeera Centre for Studies (AJCS) has recently published a book entitled Egyptian-Israeli Relations in light of the 25 January Revolution by Saleh Al-Naami, a researcher specialised in Israeli affairs.
The book traces the development of Egyptian-Israeli relations and sheds light on the reign of former President Mohamed Hosni Mubarak up to the military junta, the presidency of Mohamed Morsi and, finally, the rule of Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. It also compares the natures of these relations during the previous regimes, monitors the changes that occurred and links them with the process of decision-making within Egyptian institutions of governance.
The book contains four chapters and a conclusion. The first chapter discusses the determinants, contexts and characteristics of Egyptian-Israeli relations before 25 January 2011. The second chapter deals with the changes that took place in Egyptian-Israeli relations in light of the revolution until the election of Mohamed Morsi, highlighting the determinants of the relations and the context of this period as well as monitoring the rationale of the Israeli concern about the revolution and its repercussions. It also sheds light on the mechanisms of Israeli obstacles to the revolution and the preparation for facing its consequences. Moreover, the chapter pinpoints the positions of Egyptian political elites on Israel during this period, and traces the shifts in bilateral relations.
The third chapter deals with Egyptian-Israeli relations during the presidency of Mohamed Morsi; the nature of the determinants observed and the changes that occurred consequently, the impact of Morsi's presidency on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and the justification for the Israeli concern about Morsi's actions domestically and internationally. The chapter examines the mechanisms of Israeli action in dealing with this stage.
The fourth chapter discusses the determinants, characteristics and nature of the relations between Israel and Egypt during the Sisi era. It also examines the transformations of these relations, aspects of cooperation between the two sides at this stage and the repercussions thereof, especially the partnership aimed at cracking down on the Palestinian resistance. In addition, the chapter focuses on Israel’s assessment of the benefits resulting from the strategic cooperation with the Sisi regime.
Egyptian-Israeli Relations in light of the 25 January Revolution owes its importance, according to the author, to the scarcity of Arabic literature on the impact of the 25 January revolution on relations between the neighbouring states. What adds to its importance is the framework in which it puts the nature of the changes in Egyptian-Israeli relations.