Netanyahu’s Absence Shadows Gaza Summit Amid ICC Warrant, Erdoğan’s Opposition

United States President Donald Trump, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s 

Netanyahu’s Absence Shadows Gaza Summit Amid ICC Warrant, Erdoğan’s Opposition

By Bing Jabadan – TheNationWeek.Com | October 15, 2025

SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt – A high-profile summit here aimed at brokering a ceasefire in Gaza was overshadowed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s absence, a decision reportedly influenced by both an impending International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s threat to boycott the event.

Sources indicate that United States President Donald Trump, who co-chaired the summit with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, extended a late invitation to Netanyahu.

Trump purportedly secured Netanyahu’s commitment to attend during a phone call with Sisi on Monday.

However, Erdoğan allegedly informed Sisi that he would decline participation if Netanyahu was present, potentially undermining the summit’s success. While the direct link between Erdoğan’s stance and Netanyahu’s subsequent decision remains unclear, the Israeli Prime Minister’s office cited the upcoming Jewish holiday as the reason for his absence.

“Prime Minister Netanyahu was invited by US President Trump to participate in a conference taking place today in Egypt,” the statement read. “The Prime Minister thanked President Trump for his invitation but stated that he would not be able to attend due to the proximity of the event to the start of the holiday.”

The incident underscores the complex political landscape surrounding Israel, particularly within the Muslim world, and the ramifications of the ICC warrant application, which alleges war crimes in Gaza.

While Egypt is not a signatory to the ICC, Netanyahu’s presence would have been highly controversial given the outstanding application.

Analysts suggest that images of Erdoğan engaging with Netanyahu would have been politically damaging for the Turkish leader, especially considering Ankara’s potential role in an international stabilization force in Gaza.

Erdoğan has repeatedly condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide.”

Furthermore, some speculate that Netanyahu’s attendance could have triggered resignations within his right-wing coalition government.

Despite Netanyahu’s absence, the summit, focused on achieving a ceasefire and lasting peace, proceeded with over 20 world leaders. The event highlights the deep divisions and formidable challenges that persist in the pursuit of regional stability.

The ICC warrant, coupled with the diplomatic maneuvering surrounding the summit, underscores the increasing international scrutiny of Israel’s actions and the delicate balance required in navigating relations with key regional players.