Islands deal may end Egyptian judges' independence

Significance

The approval of the deal aligns parliament with the government against the judiciary. After a series of legal challenges, the Supreme Administrative Court ruled in January that the agreement was void. The case has been referred to the Supreme Constitutional Court, which has not yet ruled on the issue. The islands’ transfer has exposed a rift between Sisi and senior judges and threatens the latter's autonomy.

Impacts

• State security forces will be prepared to deal with any protests against the islands deal.
• There may be small, isolated demonstrations, which police will almost certainly crush before they develop momentum.
• Implementation of the deal will consolidate Sisi’s relationship with Saudi Arabia.
• Sisi is also showing some frustration with the religious establishment, which has so far maintained its relative autonomy.