Israeli military chief Herzi Halevi warns that Egypt could pose a security threat due to its substantial military capabilities, including advanced weapons systems. He emphasizes that while Egypt is not currently threatening Israel, the political landscape could change quickly, recalling past upheavals such as the rise of Mohamed Morsi. The conversation also reflects tensions surrounding U.S. proposals related to Gaza, with implications for Egyptian stability under President Sisi.
Israeli military chief Herzi Halevi has expressed significant concern about Egypt potentially becoming a security threat. During an interview with Israel’s Channel 14, Halevi noted Egypt’s impressive military capabilities, including a large army equipped with advanced weaponry such as aircraft, submarines, and missile ships. While he emphasized that Egypt is not currently a threat, he cautioned that the situation could evolve rapidly, referencing past political changes in Egypt as cause for concern.
Halevi, who is set to resign on March 6, pointed out that Egypt possesses many advanced tanks and ground forces. He reminded viewers of the political upheaval in 2011 when Mohamed Morsi, associated with the Muslim Brotherhood, came to power, which could have led to a change in military leadership that may pose a threat to Israel. Following Morsi’s ousting by Sisi in 2013, Egypt has maintained a strong authoritarian regime.
In light of U.S. former President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal regarding Gaza and its implications for Egypt, diplomatic tensions have escalated. Trump suggested moving Palestinian residents from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan, which was met with strong resistance from President Sisi. Reports indicate that Sisi engaged in discussions with Arab leaders to develop an alternative strategy.
The Egyptian military’s increased presence, particularly sightings of tanks near Rafah, raises alarms regarding Egypt’s strategic military posture under the peace treaty with Israel. A source indicated that Sisi might have difficulties rejecting Trump’s proposal without jeopardizing his regime’s legitimacy, highlighting fears of a potential coup.
Despite controversies surrounding Egypt’s role in the Gaza conflict, including criticism for enabling Israel’s siege, Egypt continues to engage diplomatically. The country was the first Arab nation to establish diplomatic relations with Israel in 1979. Recently, Egyptian and Jordanian officials successfully dissuaded the U.S. from proceeding with Trump’s Gaza plan in favor of an Egyptian-led strategy for recovery in the region.
Herzi Halevi’s concerns about Egypt’s military capabilities highlight a potential shift in regional security dynamics. The response to U.S. proposals regarding Gaza demonstrates both the fragility and complexity of Egyptian political stability under Sisi. The unfolding situation underlines the need for careful diplomatic navigation to maintain the balance of power and address the implications of military mobilization in the region.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
