Israel’s outgoing military chief, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, raised concerns about Egypt’s growing military capabilities potentially posing a future threat to Israel despite the existing peace treaty. His remarks followed criticisms of Egypt’s military buildup and its implications for regional stability. Other Israeli officials also expressed alarm over the situation, highlighting the need for continued monitoring of Egypt’s military activities, especially after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
Israel’s outgoing military chief, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, has cautioned about an emerging threat posed by Egypt’s growing military assets, despite the longstanding peace treaty between the two nations. Speaking to officer graduates in Holon, he indicated that while Egypt is not an imminent threat to Israel, changes in its military capacity, including advanced aircraft and submarines, could alter this perception swiftly.
During his address, Halevi emphasized the importance of monitoring Egypt’s military expansion, asserting, “We believe that this is not a threat now, but this situation can change in a moment.” He reflected on past changes in leadership dynamics, referencing the 2011 rise of Islamist Mohamed Morsi as a situation that could have turned the Egyptian military’s focus against Israel.
Concerns regarding Egypt’s military buildup have been echoed by other Israeli officials. Recently, Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter labeled Egypt’s movements in the Sinai Peninsula as severe breaches of their peace accord. He stated, “There are bases being built, and they can only be used for offensive operations and offensive weapons.”
Research analyst Mariam Wahba noted that satellite imagery suggests Egypt is exceeding the limitations imposed by the Camp David Accords, which restrict its military presence to 47 battalions. Current estimates indicate that camps for as many as 180 battalions may exist, posing risks for broader regional stability.
Further inquiries into Egypt’s military expenditures were raised by Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, who questioned the necessity of their military acquisitions. He remarked, “After Oct. 7, this should raise alarm bells,” referencing the recent Hamas invasion of southern Israel, stressing the importance of vigilance concerning Egyptian military activities.
In contrast, Egyptian Ambassador to the UN Osama Abdel Khalek defended the nation’s military buildup as defensive, necessary for national security, and vital for regional stability. While Israeli defense sources acknowledge solid security ties with Egypt, rising military presence in Sinai has fostered apprehension in Israel.
Tensions have intensified between Jerusalem and Cairo, particularly regarding the Philadelphi Corridor along the Gaza border, which remains a point of contention. Egypt’s military actions may serve as a response to the Israeli presence in the corridor and growing concerns over Palestinian migration into Egypt, potentially breaching the peace agreement established in 1979.
In conclusion, the warnings from Israeli military leadership regarding Egypt’s expanding military capabilities underscore potential shifts in regional security dynamics. The historical context of the peace treaty, alongside recent military developments and high-level diplomatic exchanges, reflects the delicate balance of power in the region. Ongoing vigilance is essential as both nations navigate these complex issues to maintain stability amid rising tensions.
Original Source: www.algemeiner.com
