Netanyahu pulled out of Gaza summit after some leaders balk at him being there

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was forced to pull out of the Gaza summit in Egypt on Monday after some leaders were unhappy at the prospect of having him there, AFP reported. 

Netanyahu was invited by US president Donald Trump to the summit in Sharm el-Sheikh at the last minute, but some leaders – such as Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani – apparently said they would boycott the summit if he was there.

"The Iraqi delegation informed the Egyptian side that it was not prepared to participate in the regional summit if Netanyahu attended," adviser Ali al-Mousawi told AFP. 

“Iraq has taken a clear position on this matter and has informed the Egyptians of its rejection, and a number of other delegations have announced their intention to withdraw if Netanyahu participates,” he added.

He said Cairo had then informed Netanyahu he "could not be received, which led to the cancellation of his participation in the conference". 

Turkish media reported that Erdogan learned of Netanyahu's expected attendance while en route to Sharm el-Sheikh, and his plane circled over the Red Sea and refused to touch down until it was confirmed the Israeli leader would not be coming. 

Netanyahu said he would not be taking part "due to the timing", which coincided with the start at sundown of the Jewish holiday of Simhat Torah, his office said.