Brigadier General Itamar Ben Chaim assures that an Egyptian military attack on Israel is unlikely, while local residents express skepticism. Despite the peace treaty and assurances, there are concerns over Egypt’s military build-up in the Sinai Peninsula. Israeli officials are divided on the threat posed by Egypt, prompting calls for heightened vigilance and safety for border communities.
Israeli Brigadier General Itamar Ben Chaim, head of the IDF’s 80th Division along the Egypt-Israel border, has played down fears regarding a potential Egyptian military attack. He stated, “The scenario in which the Egyptian army launches an attack in this area – we are not preparing for it because we do not believe it is a realistic scenario in the immediate future,” providing reassurance to residents of southern Israel near the border.
In response to local concerns, an Israeli resident reminded the general of the IDF’s previous complacency ahead of the Hamas attack on October 7. Ben Chaim noted the significance of the peace agreement with Egypt, emphasizing that military resources are currently focused on other fronts, including Lebanon and Gaza. He expressed confidence that if an attack were to be planned, the IDF would be prepared.
Conversely, the Otef Yisrael Forum, representing residents along the southern border, criticized the IDF for potentially jeopardizing local safety. They expressed that the military is disregarding evident dangers, stating, “The IDF is taking serious risks at the expense of residents… Before October 7, our warnings were ignored,” urging the Egyptian military’s withdrawal from northern Sinai.
Despite the peace treaty established in 1979 that demilitarizes the Sinai Peninsula, Israel has raised concerns about a military build-up by Egypt in the region. Ambassador Danny Danon highlighted that Egypt’s significant military investments appear unnecessary given the absence of immediate border threats, suggesting this could warrant increased vigilance following the October incident.
Additionally, Israel’s new ambassador to the United States, Dr. Yechiel Leiter, accused Egypt of violating the peace agreement terms by constructing bases that could support offensive operations. However, opinions within Israeli political and military circles are split over whether Egypt represents a real threat. An unnamed senior official recently remarked that there seemed to be no Egyptian intentions to breach the peace agreement.
In conclusion, while Brigadier General Itamar Ben Chaim downplays fears of an Egyptian military threat, local residents and some Israeli officials express significant concern regarding Egypt’s military actions. Calls for vigilance continue, particularly following recent security breaches. The balance between preparedness and confidence in the peace agreement with Egypt remains a contentious issue within Israeli military and political leadership.
Original Source: allisrael.com
