An Israeli delegation, including senior IDF officers, held “strategic” discussions with senior Egyptian military officers in Cairo over the past few days, KAN News reported Thursday

Sources familiar with the details said the meetings were part of a “strategic dialogue” focusing on the two countries' common interests in the region

The discussions included attempts to advance to the next stage of reconstruction in Gaza in accordance with Donald Trump’s Gaza plan, all the while Hamas refused to disarm. 

Egypt willing to cooperate on efforts to disarm Hamas

The report noted that the Egyptians are more hawkish toward Hamas, as opposed to Turkey and the Qataris, and are willing to receive their surrendered weapons. 

Furthermore, the report stated that the Israeli defense establishment prefers Egyptian mediators over others.

sraeli soldiers look toward the northern Gaza Strip from an observation point near the Israeli border with the Gaza Strip in southern Israel, April 21, 2026.
sraeli soldiers look toward the northern Gaza Strip from an observation point near the Israeli border with the Gaza Strip in southern Israel, April 21, 2026. (credit: Tsafrir Abayov/Flash90)

The meetings were cordial, with Israeli officers watching the Egypt-Argentina World Cup match alongside their Egyptian hosts.