Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. Photo: Russian Presidential Press and Information Office.

Abdul Fatah el-Sisi

President of Egypt

It may seem unusual for Israeli leaders, whose nation historically shares a “cold peace” with its western Arab neighbor, to praise Egyptian President Abdul Fatah al-Sisi.

Yet in September 2015, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commended the Egyptian leader for calling for an expansion of peace with Israel to include more Arab countries. Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid also praised Sisi’s comments, saying that they prove there is a chance to pursue a regional agreement.

“Real leadership needs to take advantage of strategic opportunities that can strengthen the security of Israel,” Lapid said.

Egypt has recently aided Israel on other fronts, with Sisi having perhaps more impact on foiling Hamas’ efforts than any other Arab leader. During the summer 2014 war between Israel and Hamas – the Palestinian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood – Sisi ordered Egyptian forces to destroy the underground smuggling tunnels connecting Sinai with Gaza.