REALITY DAWNS:

Egypt mobilizes to assist in disengagement's implementation (Ellis Shuman, June 1, 2004, Israeli Insider)

Even though the Israeli government has not yet approved Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's phased disengagement plan, and coalition partners will most likely bolt if it does, a strong supporter for the plan has been found in Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom plans to travel to Cairo for consultations amidst reports that Egypt will help guarantee security in Gaza after an Israeli withdrawal. [...]

Sharon and Mubarak spoke on the phone yesterday and discussed "bilateral cooperation," the prime minister's media adviser said in a statement. In the conversation, "Mubarak reiterated his support for the disengagement plan and stressed his willingness to assist in advancing it," the statement said. The two leaders agreed to establish a joint committee to promote bilateral relations.

Were Egypt to recognize that its own best interests are served by helping birth a Palestinian state, even if a rump state, it could be most helpful.

Posted by Orrin Judd at June 5, 2004 1:48 PM