Sharm El-Sheikh Summit on Edge: Iraq and Turkey Threaten to Withdraw Over Netanyahu’s Participation

The atmosphere at the Sharm El-Sheikh Summit, convened to discuss the latest developments in Gaza, was marked by unprecedented tension following leaks about the possible participation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. News of his presence provoked a storm of rejection, most notably from Iraq and Turkey, who explicitly threatened to withdraw from the summit should Netanyahu’s attendance be confirmed.

According to high-level sources quoted by the Iraqi News Agency, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani informed both Egyptian and American officials of Iraq’s categorical refusal to participate if Netanyahu was present, warning that Iraq would exit the summit immediately upon confirmation of his attendance. The same sources clarified that the Egyptian side did not send a formal invitation to the Israeli prime minister, but former U.S. President Donald Trump intervened, making concerted diplomatic efforts to secure Netanyahu’s presence.

Iraq was not alone in its stance; Turkey also announced through official channels that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had informed the relevant parties of his intention to withdraw and return to Turkey if Netanyahu attended, even altering his flight path just before landing in Egypt—a clear testament to the seriousness of Turkey’s position.

Under this mounting pressure, Netanyahu’s office issued an official statement apologizing for his absence, citing the upcoming religious holidays as the reason, while the Egyptian presidency confirmed that the proposal to include Netanyahu came from President Trump in a call with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

These developments highlight the magnitude of political divisions in the region regarding Israeli participation in international events addressing the Gaza crisis, and underscore how shifting political balances shape the prospects for a stable ceasefire and lasting peace.