A new water cooperation agreement between Ethiopia and Israel has raised concerns in Egypt, with observers viewing it as a potential threat to the country’s water security. The deal, signed in Addis Ababa on February 4, expands collaboration in water management, energy, and knowledge transfer.
Egypt has long been at odds with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which Cairo sees as a major risk to its Nile water supply. The growing partnership between Ethiopia and Israel has added another layer of tension, with Egyptian analysts suggesting it could be used to pressure Cairo on regional issues.
The GERD, which has created a massive reservoir on the Blue Nile, is seen by Ethiopia as a crucial energy project to support economic development. However, Egypt fears that the dam will significantly reduce its water supply, worsening an already critical water deficit. Despite years of negotiations involving Sudan, no resolution has been reached, and Ethiopia has pressed ahead with the dam’s operations.
Egypt has invested heavily in water-saving measures, including desalination plants and modernized irrigation systems, to counteract potential losses from the Nile. However, concerns remain that external actors could exploit the dam to influence Egyptian policy.
The latest Ethiopia-Israel agreement is viewed within Egypt’s strategic circles as part of a broader geopolitical shift. Relations between Egypt and Israel have become strained in recent months, particularly over developments in Gaza and reports of international pressure on Cairo to accept displaced Palestinians.
While Egypt has not officially commented on the deal, analysts argue that Ethiopia’s dam strategy goes beyond electricity generation and serves broader political objectives. With tensions over water security remaining high, the deepening Ethiopia-Israel partnership is likely to be closely monitored in Cairo.