An important precedent was set yesterday; the largest Arab country all but giving its blessing to an Israeli military strike against other Arabs. A change of major proportions which is a new element in Middle East politics.

Despite his Islamist credentials -- and his party's historic rejection of the accord -- Egyptian President Morsi has made it clear that the peace treaty between Israel and Palestine is here to stay, and, over the last few days, it has been maintained.

With each rocket Hamas fires into Israel, they further undermine Egypt's image as a credible broker, hindering Mr. Morsi's personal aspirations to restore Egypt's role as a regional leader.