Herzi Halevi, Israel’s outgoing military chief, has expressed concerns about Egypt’s military capabilities potentially posing a security threat. He remarked on the historical volatility of Egyptian leadership and recent regional tensions following U.S. proposals concerning Gaza. The situation remains fluid as Egypt navigates these challenges under President Sisi’s authoritarian governance.
Israeli military chief, Herzi Halevi, expressed significant concerns regarding the potential security threat posed by Egypt in the future. In a recent interview with Israel’s Channel 14, Halevi noted, “We are very concerned about this,” citing the advanced military capabilities of Egypt, including a large army armed with state-of-the-art weapons and technology.
Though Halevi emphasized that Egypt does not currently represent a direct threat, he highlighted the precarious nature of the situation, recalling the swift changes in leadership following Mohamed Morsi’s presidency in 2011. He remarked that, “Suddenly, this entire army had another leadership, which could have suddenly turned against you.”
Halevi, who resigned from his position effective March 6, 2024, attributed his decision to perceived failures during the Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. As he prepares to depart, he raised critical questions regarding Egypt’s military strength and political stability under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who has maintained a tight grip on power since Morsi’s ousting in 2013.
Recent developments have seen Egypt grappling with U.S. proposals regarding Gaza, which have caused diplomatic tensions. Following remarks from former President Donald Trump about transferring Palestinians to Egypt and Jordan, Sisi has reportedly rejected these plans, engaging with other Arab leaders to formulate an alternative strategy.
Observers noted an increase of Egyptian military presence near Rafah, aligned with a defensive posture in light of these political dynamics. Within the Egyptian political landscape, concerns have emerged regarding the legitimacy of Sisi’s regime amidst possible upheaval, reinforcing fears regarding potential coup threats tied to external pressures from the United States.
Despite the turbulent atmosphere, recent reports indicated cooperation between Egypt and Jordan in dissuading U.S. policy regarding Gaza, focusing instead on an Egyptian-led post-war plan accepted by Arab nations. This will underscore Egypt’s role in resolving the conflict, further complicating its relationship with Israel and its humanitarian stance in Gaza.
Herzi Halevi, the outgoing chief of the Israeli military, has articulated alarm regarding the evolving military capabilities of Egypt and the potential shifts in political power that may arise. His departure comes amid a complex geopolitical landscape, particularly concerning U.S. involvement in Gaza. The interplay between Egyptian and Israeli security responses highlights the delicate balance of power in the region, warranting attentive observation as developments unfold.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
