Abdel Fattah al-Sisi

Abdel Fattah al-Sisi rose to power following the 2013 removal of Mohamed Morsi, transitioning from his role as Minister of Defense to the presidency. His tenure has been marked by a rigorous crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamist factions, which he views as a primary threat to Egyptian and regional stability. For Israel, Sisi represents a critical partner in the 'cold peace' framework, maintaining deep intelligence and security coordination to combat ISIS-affiliated insurgents in the Sinai and to mediate between Israel and Palestinian factions in Gaza.

Domestically, Sisi has prioritized the 'Future of Egypt' (Mustaqbal Misr) initiative, a massive economic and agricultural project aimed at achieving food security and expanding the country's arable land. Central to his governance is the integration of the Egyptian Armed Forces into the national economy, a move intended to ensure rapid implementation of infrastructure goals but which also centralizes economic power within military-affiliated authorities. Recent legislative changes have further restructured these economic bodies to streamline military oversight of national development.

Under Sisi, Egypt has navigated a complex regional landscape, balancing its traditional role as a regional heavyweight with the economic pressures of high inflation and debt. His administration remains a cornerstone of the regional security architecture, particularly in preventing the spillover of radicalism and managing the strategic maritime interests of the Suez Canal. While facing international scrutiny regarding domestic political space, Sisi’s focus remains steadfast on the 'New Republic' vision, anchored by the construction of a new administrative capital and the expansion of military-led economic initiatives.