Brigadier General Itamar Ben Chaim of the IDF has minimized threats of an imminent Egyptian military attack, asserting it is not a realistic scenario. While he seeks to calm border residents by referencing the peace agreement, local communities express concern over IDF complacency and demand attention to their safety. Egyptian military buildups spark debate among Israeli officials regarding potential threats and the implications of the peace agreement.
Brigadier General Itamar Ben Chaim, head of the IDF’s 80th Division responsible for the Egypt border, has minimized fears regarding a potential military attack by Egypt against Israel. He stated, “We are not preparing for [an Egyptian attack] because we do not believe it is a realistic scenario in the immediate future,” aiming to reassure residents near the border.
In response to local criticisms highlighting past military complacency prior to the October 7 Hamas attack, General Ben Chaim referenced the ongoing peace agreement with Egypt. He indicated that Israeli military focuses are primarily directed toward its borders with Lebanon, Gaza, Jordan, and the West Bank, assessing no immediate threat from Egypt.
Nonetheless, the Otef Yisrael Forum, which advocates for residents in southern Israeli regions, rebuked the IDF for their perceived negligence regarding local safety, stating, “The IDF is taking serious risks at the expense of residents and dismissing the clear danger before our eyes.” They demanded that military leaders heed public concerns, recalling that their prior warnings had been overlooked, culminating in disastrous consequences.
Despite the 1979 peace agreement mandating the demilitarization of the Sinai Peninsula, recent Egyptian military buildups have prompted Israeli concern. During January, Israel demanded explanations for these activities, supported by statements from Israeli officials stressing caution about Egypt’s military enhancements, which included significant financial investments in modern equipment.
Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon remarked, “They spend hundreds of millions of dollars on modern military equipment every year, yet they have no threats on their borders,” emphasizing the importance of vigilance regarding Egypt’s military developments post-October 7.
Israel’s new ambassador to the United States, Dr. Yechiel Leiter, echoed these concerns, alleging violations of the peace agreement concerning the construction of bases for offensive military operations. Meanwhile, internal divisions persist within Israeli political and military circles regarding the nature of Egypt’s military threat.
A senior Israeli official recently stated, “We do not identify any intention on Egypt’s part to harm the peace agreement,” indicating a lack of consensus among Israeli leadership on the threat level posed by Egypt. The situation remains complex, warranting continued observation of Egypt’s military advancements and their implications for regional security.
In summary, Brigadier General Itamar Ben Chaim has downplayed the likelihood of an Egyptian military attack despite growing concerns from residents near the border. While general reassurances reference the historical peace agreement, various Israeli officials express caution over Egypt’s military developments, reflecting ongoing debates within Israel regarding potential threats from Egypt. Public anxiety persists, urging a re-evaluation of security assessments in light of recent events.
Original Source: allisrael.com
