Israel, Egypt Intelligence Chiefs Meet Over Gaza Ceasefire

Egypt’s intelligence chief Hassan Rashad met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Oct. 21 for talks centered on Gaza and broader regional issues. Israeli readouts said the meeting focused on advancing U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan, Israel–Egypt relations and “strengthening the peace” between the two countries. The visit aimed to help shore up a fragile, Egyptian-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas reached in Sharm El-Sheikh and to reinforce a U.S.-backed truce. Rashad is also scheduled to meet U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, and his trip coincides with a visit by U.S. Vice‑President J.D. Vance and engagements with Israeli security officials including Shin Bet chief David Zini. State-linked Egyptian media and international outlets including AFP and Reuters reported the meetings, reflecting Egypt’s active mediation role in the ceasefire talks.