Netanyahu Declines Gaza Summit Invitation in Egypt Due to Jewish Holiday Simhat Torah

Oct 13, 2025 11:13 pm CST

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declined an invitation to attend Monday's Gaza summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, citing the timing conflict with the Jewish holiday of Simhat Torah. The invitation came directly from US President Donald Trump following a call that included Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Netanyahu.