Strategic Calculations: Sadat believed that Egypt could benefit strategically by establishing diplomatic relations with Israel. After the devastating Yom Kippur War of 1973, Egypt was in a weakened position, and Sadat saw an opportunity to improve Egypt's regional standing and security by reaching a peace agreement with Israel.
Land Recovery: Egypt's main objective in making peace with Israel was to regain the Sinai Peninsula, which had been occupied by Israel since the Six-Day War in 1967. Sadat was determined to secure the return of Egyptian territory and end the Israeli occupation.
Economic Motivations: Egypt was facing severe economic challenges during the late 1970s, and Sadat believed that peace with Israel could bring significant economic benefits. He anticipated increased foreign investments, tourism, and trade opportunities, which could help revive the Egyptian economy.
International Support: Sadat's decision to pursue peace with Israel gained support from the United States and other Western nations, which provided political and financial incentives for Egypt to engage in peace negotiations. The prospect of international recognition and support played a role in Sadat's calculations.
Shifting Regional Dynamics: Sadat recognized the changing dynamics in the Middle East, particularly the emergence of radical movements and the increasing influence of extremist groups. He believed that a peace agreement with Israel could potentially isolate these radical elements and bring stability to the region.
Personal Legacy: Sadat also desired to leave a lasting legacy as a leader who achieved a historic breakthrough in resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict. He saw the opportunity to negotiate peace as a means to enhance his own standing in Egyptian history.
Sadat's decision to make peace with Israel was a significant turning point in the history of the Middle East. It laid the foundation for the Camp David Accords, which were signed between Egypt and Israel in 1978, officially ending the state of war between the two countries. Despite ongoing challenges and conflicts in the region, the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel has endured and remains an important milestone in the pursuit of peace in the Middle East.