Growing Concerns in Egypt Over Ethiopian-Israeli Water Cooperation

Ethiopia’s recent water cooperation agreement with Israel raises alarms in Egypt about water security. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) exacerbates tensions, impacting Egypt’s Nile water supply. Experts warn that the evolving relationship between Ethiopia and Israel may politically disadvantage Egypt, intensifying its need for water security solutions amid a growing regional crisis.

The recent agreement between Ethiopia and Israel to enhance cooperation in water and energy development has raised alarms in Egypt. Signed in Addis Ababa on February 4, 2023, this deal escalates concerns regarding the strengthening relationship between the two nations, particularly as they collaborate on capacity building and knowledge transfer.

This agreement is seen as part of a broader trend of increasing ties between Ethiopia and Israel, especially in light of ongoing tensions involving Egypt’s anxiety over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). The dam threatens Egypt’s water security, as it significantly alters the flow of the Nile, which is Egypt’s primary water source.

Water security has become a national priority for Egypt, with experts warning that Ethiopian-Israeli cooperation may be wielded politically against Egypt in regional matters. Mohamed al-Dehi, an international relations specialist, emphasized, “Continued water cooperation between Ethiopia and Israel is reason for concern in Egypt, given the fact that water is a national security issue for Egypt.”

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has previously termed the GERD an “existential threat,” as it restricts the Nile’s water, impacting Egypt’s already limited water reserves. Although negotiations involving Sudan have been ongoing for a decade, they have not yielded results, as Egypt accuses Ethiopia of stalling progress.

Professor Abbas Sharaqi noted, “The dam blocks the flow of a sizeable amount of the Nile’s water, especially while its reservoir is being filled.” With a current water deficit of approximately 7 billion cubic meters, Egypt is investing heavily in seawater desalination and agricultural innovations to mitigate these effects caused by the dam.

Relations between Egypt and Israel have evolved from hostility to a strained peace, exacerbated by Israel’s actions in Gaza and U.S. political maneuvers regarding Palestinian refugees. Egypt is vigilant about the potential exploitation of Ethiopian resources by Israel, which, they fear, may weaken Egypt’s position and prioritize foreign agendas over national interests.

Although Egypt has not officially responded to the new agreement between Ethiopia and Israel, there is widespread concern among Egyptian observers that this cooperation may disadvantage Egypt. Critics argue that the construction of the GERD reflects Ethiopia’s intention to achieve more than just energy production, suggesting a deeper, politically motivated agenda.

In summary, the burgeoning cooperation between Ethiopia and Israel regarding water resources poses a significant threat to Egypt, heightening existing tensions over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. While Egypt seeks solutions to ensure its water security, it faces challenges from evolving regional dynamics and geopolitical strategies involving its historical adversaries. Without resolution, the implications for Egypt’s water supply, agriculture, and overall national security remain dire.

Original Source: www.newarab.com