Israeli Military Chief Voices Concerns Over Egyptian Security Threat

Israel’s military chief Herzi Halevi has expressed serious concerns regarding Egypt’s military capabilities, warning it could become a security threat. His resignation follows Israel’s failure to respond to Hamas, and diplomatic tensions have risen after Trump’s comments on Gaza’s future. Sisi’s leadership appears tested as Egypt manages regional pressures and military mobilization.

Herzi Halevi, Israel’s outgoing military chief, has expressed significant concern regarding Egypt potentially emerging as a security threat. In an interview with Israel’s Channel 14, he highlighted Egypt’s military capabilities, stating, “We are very concerned about this.” Despite acknowledging that Egypt’s military threats are not currently a top priority for Israel, Halevi emphasized the country’s advanced weaponry and substantial ground forces, which he believes could swiftly alter the security landscape if political conditions change.

Halevi resigned following a failure to respond effectively to Hamas’ surprise attack on southern Israel in October 2023, with his resignation taking effect on March 6. He remarked on Egypt’s vast military resources, including advanced aircraft, submarines, and a large number of ground forces, noting that while he does not view Egypt as an immediate threat, this perception could change rapidly, recalling the shift in Egypt’s military leadership after Mohamed Morsi’s election.

Morsi, Egypt’s first democratically elected president, was deemed a supporter of Palestinian interests and was removed from power in a 2013 coup led by Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who has since established an authoritarian regime. Recently, comments made by former President Donald Trump regarding the future of Gaza and its implications for Egypt have caused concern, prompting discussions among Egyptian officials about the potential impacts on Sisi’s government.

Following Trump’s proposal to “own” Gaza and relocate Palestinians to Egypt and Jordan, Sisi rejected the plan and engaged in talks with other Arab leaders to devise an alternative, underscoring the diplomatic tensions sparked by Trump’s remarks. Reports revealed a significant military mobilization in Egypt’s North Sinai region, raising alarms regarding the implications of Trump’s proposal on Egypt’s political stability and regime legitimacy.

In response to the situation, sources indicate that Egypt and Jordan have successfully persuaded the United States to support an Egyptian-led plan for Gaza post-conflict instead. This development reflects the complexities and sensitivities surrounding Egyptian-Israeli relations and emphasizes Sisi’s precarious political position amidst regional pressures.

In summary, Israeli military chief Herzi Halevi has raised alarms about Egypt’s potential as a security threat, citing its substantial military capabilities. His resignation comes amid rising tensions and geopolitical shifts following Trump’s controversial remarks regarding Gaza. The situation highlights the delicate balance of power and diplomatic relations between Egypt, Israel, and the broader Arab world, as Sisi navigates significant challenges to his regime’s legitimacy.

Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net