Leiden University Student Repository

Basch, Eitan (2026)

Between speeches and actions: The evolution of IsraeliEgyptian relations since the Camp David Accords

Master thesis | Middle Eastern Studies (MA)

Egypt, the leader of the Arab coalition waging war against Israel since 1948, was ultimately the first Arab country to normalize relations with Israel. This shift in relations from archenemy to covert allies is nevertheless complex. This study examines the evolution of Egyptian-Israeli relations by analyzing the gap between official discourse and actual practices since the Camp David Accords. Drawing on discourse analysis, economic indicators, and qualitative evidence from memoirs, investigative journalism, and declassified sources, the paper shows that, although official discourse between Egypt and Israel may vary with regional crises, security cooperation remains unaffected and continues to be central to their relations. Consequently, the paper shows that intelligence services are the backbone of IsraeliEgyptian relations.

Egypt

Israel

Clandestine diplomacy

Cooperation

Securitization

Arab-Israeli conflict

Author

Basch, Eitan

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Supervisors

Dr. L. Abazon

ECTS Credits

20

Language

en