Trump Scraps Netanyahu Summit Invitation After Erdogan Ultimatum

A last-minute plan by former US President Donald Trump to invite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to a major Gaza summit was abruptly canceled. The cancellation followed a direct ultimatum from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The high-stakes diplomatic incident occurred just before the multinational meeting in Egypt.

The summit in Sharm el-Sheikh aimed to end the Israel-Hamas war. According to The Guardian, Netanyahu had accepted Trump’s invitation during a phone call. The move was quickly derailed by international pressure.

Mid-Air Power Struggle Forces Diplomatic Retreat

The crisis unfolded from the air. President Erdogan was en route to Egypt when he learned of Netanyahu’s planned attendance. He immediately contacted Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi from his plane. Erdogan stated he would not land in Sharm el-Sheikh if the Israeli leader was present.

This created an impossible situation for the summit’s hosts. Netanyahu’s office soon issued a formal statement declining the invitation. They cited the “proximity of the event to the start of the holiday” as the official reason.

Broader Political Pressures and Summit Aftermath

The incident highlights the fragile alliances in Middle East diplomacy. Netanyahu faced pressure from multiple fronts. Figures in his own far-right coalition government threatened to resign if he attended. International Criminal Court arrest warrants for the Israeli leader also complicated his travel.

The summit proceeded without key players. It included leaders from Qatar, Palestine, Spain, and the UK. Israeli officials and Hamas representatives were both notably absent, underscoring the challenges of achieving a lasting peace.

The scrapped Netanyahu summit invitation reveals the volatile nature of Middle East diplomacy. This high-altitude power struggle left a major peace conference missing its most critical participants. The event concluded without a clear path forward for the region.

Thought you’d like to know

What was the goal of the Egypt summit?

The summit aimed to end the war in Gaza. It sought to enhance peace and stability efforts in the Middle East. Leaders hoped to usher in a new era of regional security.

Who ultimately prevented Netanyahu from attending?

Turkish President Erdogan’s refusal to attend was the immediate cause. Pressure from Netanyahu’s own coalition government also played a significant role in the final decision.

Which world leaders attended the conference?

As many as 20 world leaders were present. This included heads of state from Qatar, Palestine, Turkey, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Representatives from the United Nations and European Council also participated.

What was the official reason given by Netanyahu’s office?

His office stated he could not attend due to the event’s proximity to a holiday. This explanation was provided after the diplomatic standoff with Turkey became known.

Why was Netanyahu’s attendance so controversial?

International Criminal Court arrest warrants have been issued against him for alleged war crimes. His presence would have likely caused other leaders to boycott the event.

 

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Trusted Sources: Reuters, The Guardian, Associated Press