How did the assassination of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat affect the Arab-Israeli conflict?

The assassination of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat intensified the Arab-Israeli conflict and stalled the peace process he had initiated.

Anwar Sadat, the third President of Egypt, was assassinated on 6th October 1981. His death had a significant impact on the Arab-Israeli conflict, primarily because Sadat was a key figure in the peace process between the two sides. He had initiated the Camp David Accords in 1978, which led to the signing of a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel in 1979. This was a groundbreaking event, as it was the first time an Arab nation had officially recognised Israel.

Sadat's assassination was carried out by members of the Egyptian Islamic Jihad, an extremist group opposed to his policies, particularly his peace treaty with Israel. His death was seen as a major setback for the peace process. It not only created a power vacuum in Egypt but also sent shockwaves throughout the Arab world. Many Arab nations had been opposed to Sadat's peace treaty with Israel, viewing it as a betrayal of the Palestinian cause. His assassination, therefore, intensified the Arab-Israeli conflict, as it seemed to confirm their fears about the dangers of negotiating with Israel.

Moreover, Sadat's successor, Hosni Mubarak, adopted a more cautious approach towards Israel. While he did not abandon the peace treaty, he was less enthusiastic about furthering the peace process. This was partly due to the internal instability caused by Sadat's assassination and the subsequent rise of Islamic extremism in Egypt. Mubarak's cautious approach meant that the peace process stalled, and the Arab-Israeli conflict continued.

In conclusion, the assassination of Anwar Sadat had a profound impact on the Arab-Israeli conflict. It not only intensified the conflict but also stalled the peace process. Sadat's death highlighted the risks associated with negotiating peace with Israel, leading to a more cautious approach from his successor and a continuation of the conflict.