Outgoing Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi cautioned about a potential “security threat from Egypt,” emphasizing that, while there is no immediate danger to Tel Aviv, the situation could shift quickly. His remarks echo previous concerns from Israeli officials regarding Egypt’s military buildup, highlighting the need for sustained awareness and dialogue between the two nations.
Herzi Halevi, the outgoing Chief of Staff of Israel, has raised alarms regarding what he labels as a “security threat from Egypt.” Despite asserting that this threat does not currently endanger Tel Aviv, he cautioned that the situation could alter rapidly. These comments were made during a speech at an officers’ course in Holon earlier this week.
Halevi’s concern aligns with previous statements from Israeli officials, including Danny Danon, Israel’s representative at the United Nations, who questioned Egypt’s military buildup. Danon specifically challenged the necessity of Egypt’s accumulating military assets despite lacking immediate regional threats.
During his remarks, Halevi underscored Israel’s vigilance regarding Egypt’s military capabilities, stating, “We are very worried about this issue, but it is not currently one of our top priorities, and we must acknowledge that.” He elaborated that Egypt maintains a sizable military equipped with advanced technology, including aircraft, submarines, and a substantial number of tanks.
To date, Egypt has not officially responded to Halevi’s comments, though it previously addressed Danon’s concerns. Egypt’s UN envoy, Osama Abdel Khalek, emphasized the importance of a robust military for national security, stating, “Powerful nations like Egypt require strong and capable armies to defend their national security comprehensively with sufficient and diverse armament.”
The historical context includes the peace treaty signed between Egypt and Israel in 1979, which outlined the normalization of relations and the demilitarization of certain regions. This treaty underscores the ongoing need for dialogue and strategic understanding between the two nations.
In summary, outgoing Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi has expressed significant concerns about Egypt’s military capabilities, warning that, while there is no immediate threat, the situation may change. The discourse reflects broader tensions and the historical context of Israeli-Egyptian relations. It remains imperative for both countries to navigate these concerns with a commitment to dialogue and peace.
Original Source: www.jordannews.jo
