Discuss the influence of the Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty on the progression of the Arab-Israeli conflict.

The Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty significantly altered the dynamics of the Arab-Israeli conflict, reducing direct military confrontations but intensifying political tensions.

Signed in 1979, the Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty was a pivotal moment in the history of the Arab-Israeli conflict. It marked the first time an Arab nation, Egypt, officially recognised the state of Israel, a move that was both groundbreaking and controversial. The treaty was a result of the Camp David Accords, mediated by US President Jimmy Carter, and it led to Egypt regaining control of the Sinai Peninsula, which had been occupied by Israel since the Six-Day War in 1967.

The treaty had a profound influence on the progression of the Arab-Israeli conflict. Firstly, it significantly reduced the likelihood of direct military confrontations between Israel and its Arab neighbours. Egypt, being the most populous and militarily powerful Arab nation, had been at the forefront of the Arab-Israeli wars. Its decision to pursue peace with Israel effectively removed a major military threat, leading to a period of relative calm.

However, the treaty also intensified political tensions in the region. Many Arab nations, including Syria, Iraq, and Libya, severed diplomatic ties with Egypt in protest against its recognition of Israel. The Arab League even suspended Egypt's membership and moved its headquarters from Cairo to Tunis. This isolation of Egypt highlighted the deep-seated animosity towards Israel among Arab nations and underscored the complexity of the Arab-Israeli conflict.

Moreover, the treaty did not resolve the Palestinian issue, which is at the heart of the Arab-Israeli conflict. While it did include provisions for Palestinian autonomy in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, these were never fully implemented. This failure to address the Palestinian question has continued to fuel tensions and conflicts in the region.

In conclusion, the Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty had a significant influence on the Arab-Israeli conflict. It marked a shift from direct military confrontations to more complex political and diplomatic struggles. While it brought a degree of stability, it also highlighted the deep divisions and unresolved issues that continue to characterise the conflict.