Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declined to attend the international peace summit in Egypt, a move stirring quiet controversy across diplomatic circles.
While his office cited the proximity of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot as the reason, observers say his absence at a meeting expected to shape post-ceasefire negotiations with Hamas could signal Israel’s hesitation toward broader mediation efforts.
The Sharm el-Sheikh summit, attended by over 20 world leaders including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, comes as global leaders seek a lasting peace framework following the fragile truce in Gaza.