Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declined an invitation to attend Monday’s high-level summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, aimed at finalizing an agreement to end the Gaza war. His office stated that the decision was made due to the event’s proximity to a Jewish holiday, despite the invitation coming from U.S. President Donald Trump.
“The Prime Minister thanked President Trump for his invitation and his efforts to expand the circle of peace — peace through strength,” Netanyahu’s office said in an official statement. The planned summit, hosted by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, was expected to bring together key regional leaders, including Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, to solidify a ceasefire and reaffirm peace commitments.
An Egyptian presidential spokesperson had earlier announced that both Netanyahu and Abbas were expected to attend, with the participation of Trump signaling a strong international push for a lasting resolution to the Gaza conflict. According to the spokesperson, Trump and Netanyahu also held a joint phone call with President Sisi on Monday while in Israel, underscoring the ongoing diplomatic coordination.
However, sources revealed that Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, backed by other unnamed leaders, opposed Netanyahu’s participation. Turkey has consistently criticized Israel’s military operations in Gaza over the past two years, although Ankara has recently been involved in U.S.-led negotiations to secure an end to hostilities. Erdogan, who arrived in Sharm el-Sheikh earlier Monday, is expected to play an influential role in shaping the summit’s outcome.
Netanyahu’s absence removes a potential source of diplomatic friction but highlights the deep regional divisions that persist even as global leaders work toward a formal peace framework.