Israel's Netanyahu won't go to Gaza peace summit in Egypt — What's behind decision
Photo: Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel (Getty Images)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not attend the peace summit on the Gaza Strip convened by Egypt, stated the office of the Israeli Prime Minister, The Times of Israel reports.
According to Netanyahu's office, he will not travel to Egypt due to the Shemini Atzeret–Simchat Torah holiday, which begins this evening, October 13.
The statement noted that Netanyahu thanked US President Donald Trump for inviting him to the summit and for his "efforts to expand the circle of peace — peace through strength."
The office did not mention Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, who personally invited Netanyahu by phone earlier today.
According to Israeli media, the Prime Minister also canceled the trip over fears of internal tensions within his coalition if he traveled during a major religious holiday. However, the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism party denied making any threats related to the issue.
Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah
These are the concluding holidays of the Jewish autumn festival cycle.
Shemini Atzeret (Hebrew for Eighth day of Assembly) marks the end of the festive season and symbolizes a special time of spiritual closeness with God, without external rituals.
The next day, Jews celebrate Simchat Torah — the Rejoicing of the Torah, marking the completion of the annual cycle of reading the Scriptures and the immediate start of a new one. The day is filled with dancing, singing, and joyful processions with Torah scrolls in synagogues around the world.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi announced plans yesterday, October 13, to host a peace summit on Gaza. The meeting will take place in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh, with US President Donald Trump expected to co-chair the summit.
