“We cannot assume that the gas deal was canceled without the advice and consent of the ruling Supreme Military Council, or think the council might not have realized the significance of this step and the extent to which it symbolizes the state of Egyptian-Israeli ties.

But Egyptian and Israeli efforts to contain the crisis by describing it as a commercial decision devoid of political context indicates that both sides fear for the welfare of bilateral ties, and are trying to prevent opponents of the peace accord, as well as terror groups that have sabotaged the gas pipeline, from gaining the power to determine the two countries’ foreign policies. Both nations should continue to downplay the issue while refraining from populist criticism and pointing fingers before the commercial context of the decision has been fully clarified.

At a time when Egypt is struggling to shape its political and diplomatic future, it would be best not to give the natural gas deal the power to torch the peace agreement with Israel.”

Read more…