Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not attend Monday's summit on ending the Gaza war in Egypt, his office said, after Cairo had earlier announced he would take part.
In a statement, Netanyahu's office said he had been invited by US President Donald Trump to participate in the meeting of world leaders in Sharm el-Sheikh but declined "due to the timing's proximity to the beginning of (a Jewish) holiday."
"The Prime Minister thanked President Trump for his invitation and for his efforts to expand the circle of peace — peace through strength," the statement said.
An Egyptian presidential spokesperson earlier said both Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Netanyahu were expected to join the summit "to solidify the agreement to end the war in Gaza and reaffirm their commitment to it".
The spokesperson also said Trump and Netanyahu spoke by phone with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi while they were in Israel on Monday.
Fire in rebel-held east Congo kills 24 schoolchildren
Trump touts $5,000 payout if Republicans win as Vance waits in wings
Search expands after Philippine ferry fire kills five and leaves dozens missing
Trump says Iran war to end after US midterm elections
At least 20 killed in cargo vessel fire at China shipyard, state media reports
US military says it struck vessel in Caribbean, killing 3
At least 14 killed in explosion at weapons depot in Syria
US hits five Iranian oil tankers after attack on Navy ships
