Israeli military chief Herzi Halevi warned of Egypt potentially becoming a security threat due to its advanced military capabilities. He highlighted the past leadership changes in Egypt and concerns resulting from President Trump’s proposals regarding Gaza. The report underscores the need for vigilance regarding Egypt’s military developments and the implications for Israeli security.
Israeli military chief Herzi Halevi expressed significant concern over the potential transformation of Egypt into a security threat in the near future. During an interview with Israel’s Channel 14, Halevi noted Egypt’s military capabilities, stating, “We are very concerned about this,” while acknowledging it is not currently a top priority for Israel, as it faces its own pressing issues.
Halevi emphasized that Egypt possesses a large army equipped with advanced weaponry, including sophisticated aircraft and missile ships, in addition to a substantial number of tanks and ground forces. He remarked, “We believe that this is not a threat now, but this situation can change in a moment,” referencing the historical context of Egypt’s leadership changes.
He recalled the rise of Mohamed Morsi, Egypt’s first democratically elected president, in 2011, which shifted the army’s allegiance. Morsi’s eventual overthrow in a 2013 coup by Abdel Fattah el-Sisi led to ongoing authoritarian rule in Egypt, raising concerns regarding future military intentions.
Halevi’s comments come in the backdrop of President Trump’s controversial proposal to “own” Gaza, which prompted Egyptian officials to express alarm. Sisi’s subsequent rejection of the proposal reflects internal pressures and fears of regime instability. Concerns about national legitimacy and potential coups have emerged within Egyptian political discourse.
In light of these developments, it was reported that Egypt and Jordan successfully argued against Trump’s Gaza plan, paving the way for a post-war proposal that would be supported by other Arab nations. Sisi has faced criticism for his handling of the Gaza situation, especially regarding the implications for Israeli-Egyptian relations established in 1979.
In summary, Israeli military chief Herzi Halevi’s warning about Egypt’s potential as a security threat underscores the shifting dynamics in regional politics. His concerns highlight the complexities surrounding military capabilities and historical shifts in power, particularly in relation to external pressures from international leaders. Egypt’s response to Trump’s proposals and the internal political discourse suggest a landscape fraught with challenges and transformations.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
