CAIRO — Cairo has yet to express a position on the African Union Commission’s decision to grant Israel observer status in the African body on July 22. Some other African countries have condemned the sudden move that was made without consultation with member states.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry has not officially commented on the AU Commission’s decision. Speaking to Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, an Egyptian diplomatic source close to the AU said, “It seems the African atmosphere is now ready to accept Israel at the AU, and the resolution will most likely be approved with a majority of votes.”

“There are a number of diplomatic and political considerations influencing the Egyptian position,” the source added. “These factors have nothing to do with Egypt’s firm position on the Palestinian cause and with defending of the rights of the Palestinians in any regional and international forums.”

The source said, “There are Arab and African efforts to mobilize a counter-vote among AU member states, dissuade the AU Commission from its decision, suspend the matter until the upcoming African Summit and prevent this measure from affecting the positions of the African countries on any vital and strategic files, especially peace and security and disputes in Africa.”