Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi cautioned against further regional escalation during a meeting with the United States' highest-ranking general on Sunday, as tensions between Israel and Lebanon heightened due to cross-border hostilities. According to a statement from the president's office, Sisi expressed concerns about the potential for a new conflict front in Lebanon and emphasized the importance of maintaining Lebanon's stability and sovereignty.
Sisi's meeting with US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Charles "CQ" Brown, occurred shortly after Israel conducted air strikes in Lebanon. Israel claimed these actions were preventive measures against an imminent attack by Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, raising concerns about a broader regional conflict. As a key mediator, Egypt has once again called for restraint and de-escalation, while the United States, Israel's primary arms supplier, indicated its military is ready to support its ally.
This meeting takes place amidst planned discussions in Cairo, which will include CIA Director William Burns, aimed at achieving a truce in the Gaza Strip, though prospects for such a truce appear increasingly dim. Sisi urged for a "decisive stance from the international community" and a more robust response to the joint efforts by Egypt, the United States, and Qatar for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange, which he believes could pave the way for calm and stability in the region, according to his office.
An official from Netanyahu's office mentioned that a decision regarding the participation of Israeli spy chiefs in the Cairo talks would be made later in the day. Meanwhile, Hamas has indicated it will send a delegation to Cairo but only for meetings with Egyptian officials, not to partake in the broader discussions.
