Former Egyptian ambassador to Israel Basyouni dies at 74

Basyouni was served as envoy from 1986-2000; fought against Israel four times including during Yom Kippur War

Roee Nahmias|Published: 09.18.11 , 14:35

Egypt's legendary Ambassador to Israel has passed away: Mohammad Basyouni, who served as Cairo's envoy in Israel for 14 years, has died at the age of 74.

His son, Khatam Basyouni, said he had died on Sunday morning at his home. Basyouni's son noted that his father had suffered from several illnesses including diabetes and high blood pressure, but was vital and active until his final moments.

Basyouni served as a diplomat for many years, including 18 years in Egypt's embassy in Tel Aviv. Before joining the diplomatic corps, he served in his country's intelligence services.

The former envoy also fought in four wars against Israel. In the final one – the Yom Kippur War – he was the officer in charge of coordination between the Egyptian and Syrian forces. He was then appointed military attaché in Tehran, after which he arrived in Israel.

He was named ambassador in 1986 and served for 14 straight years until he was recalled back to Egypt in protest of the second intifada. Upon his return, Basyouni was named Chairman of Foreign Relations Committee in Egypt's Upper Parliament (Shura Council).

Only several months ago, Basyouni said that those who oppose the Israel-Egypt peace treaty only sought to appease the masses. He also referred to the subject of sovereignty in Eilat, which occasionally surfaces in Egypt, and declared, "According to the international borderline, Eilat is not Egyptian territory."