JERUSALEM, Israel – US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will travel to Cairo on Wednesday to discuss regional issues, including “Egypt’s role in promoting security and prosperity for both Israelis and Palestinians,” a statement from the White House read.
Sullivan’s visit comes amid increased tensions between Israel and Hamas, and the Biden administration is relying on Egypt to help maintain calm. Israel has ramped up military activity in the West Bank – biblical Judea and Samaria – to target what the military says are Hamas operatives planning attacks on Israelis.
This week, Israel carried out a series of raids on Hamas in the northern West Bank, sparking gun battles that killed 5 Palestinians and seriously injured two Israeli soldiers. Hamas has vowed to take revenge for the raids.
Egypt serves as a mediator between Israel and terror groups in the Gaza Strip, and was instrumental in brokering a ceasefire between the two sides after an 11-day war in May.
After Sullivan’s visit, he will hold follow-up discussions with his Israeli counterpart Dr. Eyal Hulata in Washington on October 5, said NSC Spokesman Emily Thorne.
While the Biden administration depends on Egypt for regional stability, it has also raised concerns about human rights abuses in the country.
Congress recently passed legislation calling on the White House to withhold $300 million in military aid to Egypt. Ultimately, $170 million was sent and the administration waived human rights conditions placed on the assistance by Congress.
The Biden administration said it decided to deliver the military aid to preserve a US-Egypt security relationship that it says is critical to the Middle East’s security. The remaining $130 million will be released if Egypt “addresses specific human-rights related conditions,” according to the State Department.
Sullivan also plans to visit Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to discuss bringing an end to the war in Yemen.
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