Israel’s Military Chief Warns of Egypt’s Rising Military Threat Amid Tensions

Israel’s outgoing military chief, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, has raised alarms concerning Egypt’s growing military capabilities potentially becoming a threat despite the peace treaty. He emphasized current concerns over military advancements while prioritizing Israel’s existing challenges. Current tensions, treaty violations, and military activities in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula contribute to the complexities of Israel-Egypt relations, maintaining cautious eyes on future developments.

Israel’s outgoing military chief, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, has cautioned that Egypt’s expanding military might could present an unforeseen threat to Israel, despite their long-standing peace agreement. Speaking to officer graduates in Holon, Halevi noted that while Egypt does not currently pose a direct threat, advancements in its military capabilities, including modern aircraft and submarines, could alter the situation swiftly.

Halevi expressed concerns regarding Egypt’s military buildup, stating, “We are very concerned about this,” and acknowledged the importance of prioritizing Israel’s immediate challenges. He referenced past leadership changes in Egypt, highlighting the potential volatility that could arise should its military leadership shift again.

The Israeli military chief’s statements echo previous worries voiced by senior officials in Israel. Last month, Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter criticized Egypt for alleged violations of the peace treaty, citing military installations in Sinai that could serve offensive purposes, which contradict the terms agreed upon in the Camp David Accords.

Mariam Wahba, a research analyst, pointed out that satellite imagery indicated that Egypt’s military assets exceed the limits specified under the peace treaty. According to her, a potential collapse of this agreement could not only destabilize Egypt and Israel but also increase threats from groups like Iran in the region.

Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, also raised alarms regarding Egypt’s military enhancements, questioning the necessity for an expanding arsenal given the absence of threats along its borders. He emphasized the need for vigilance in light of recent security events involving Hamas, advocating for close monitoring of Egypt’s military developments.

In response to heightened scrutiny, Egyptian Ambassador to the UN, Osama Abdel Khalek, defended Egypt’s military strategy as fundamentally defensive, aimed at ensuring national security and regional stability. Despite the tension, Israeli defense sources have noted that security coordination with Egypt remains strong and mutually beneficial.

However, ongoing military operations and infrastructure projects in Sinai have raised suspicions in Israel, particularly concerning the Philadelphi Corridor, which Israel controls. Egypt has strategically bolstered its military presence amid concerns over an influx of Palestinians from Gaza, complicating the dynamics of the peace treaty.

Additionally, Egypt has contested proposals pertaining to reconstruction efforts in Gaza after the Israel-Hamas conflict, including a plan suggested by Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid to negotiate administrative control in exchange for debt relief. Overall, Egypt reiterates its stance advocating for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and resists any responsibility for governing Gaza post-conflict.

In summary, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi’s warnings regarding Egypt’s military capabilities reflect growing concerns in Israel about the potential implications for regional stability. While acknowledging the current lack of direct threats, he emphasized the need for vigilance. The situation is compounded by military escalations and treaty violations that prompt further scrutiny of Egypt’s defense posture. The continuation of robust security cooperation remains essential for both nations amid these complexities.

Original Source: www.algemeiner.com