Email from Zionist Organization of America   ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA IN THE MEDIA     Egypt’s Military Buildup Looms Large on The Regional Horizon Israel must prepare for worst-case scenarios, even with perceived partners. By Kobi Erez, ZOA Michigan Executive Director (December 16, 2024 / JNS) Egypt, long considered a country maintaining a cold peace with Israel, is raising alarms with its disproportionate military expansion and questionable activities. The lessons of Oct. 7, 2023, when more than 1,200 Israelis were killed by Hamas operatives who infiltrated the border, underscore the importance of vigilance. Egypt’s complicity in facilitating Hamas’ weapon smuggling through tunnels in the Sinai highlights the risks of complacency. Despite international agreements, Egypt turned a blind eye, with reports suggesting officials profited from the trade. This underlines a critical lesson: Israel must always prepare for worst-case scenarios, even with perceived partners. Egypt has amassed an arsenal that far exceeds its defensive needs. Advanced fighter jets, modern tanks, drones and an expansive navy position Egypt as a regional military powerhouse. These developments, combined with its strategic control of the Suez Canal and its Mediterranean naval presence, raise questions about Egypt’s intentions. Lt. Col. (Res.) Eli Dekel, former head of terrain research in the Israel Defense Forces’ Intelligence Division, recently highlighted these threats. Dekel described Egypt’s military activity in the Sinai Peninsula as clear preparation for war with Israel: “The Egyptian army is deployed on the border. I see them there. Egyptian tanks are stationed in areas where no Egyptian soldier is allowed to be. The actions of the Egyptian military in Sinai prove they are preparing for war with Israel.” Dekel emphasized Egypt’s deep-rooted hostility towards Israel and its long-term ambitions: “Egypt is heavily invested in preparing itself for military confrontation when the global power dynamics align in its favor. Once a leader of the Arab world, Egypt was ostracized after recognizing Israel. Its strategic goal has always been the undermining of Israel’s existence. Until they achieve this goal, they do everything they can to diminish Israel’s capabilities.” Egypt’s recent activities are particularly concerning. According to Dekel, Egypt has begun constructing massive tunnels in the Sinai Peninsula, with entrances up to seven meters wide and likely tens of meters long, designed to store strategic weapons. These tunnels mirror similar structures already built on the western bank of the Suez Canal, with approximately 60 such tunnels in place. “I don’t know of any other enemy Egypt is fortifying against like this,” Dekel said. “They are not digging 60 tunnels in Sinai to defend against Iran. This is offensive weaponry, protected from airstrikes, ready to be deployed when they choose.” Dekel also highlighted Egypt’s rhetoric and military propaganda, which reflect its growing hostility. “Since the outbreak of the war, Egypt has been sending us veiled threats,” he said. “Recently, during the inauguration of Cairo’s military academy, Egypt’s military spokesperson openly discussed vulnerabilities in Israel’s Merkava tank while President [Fattah Abdel el-] Sisi himself attended. Just days earlier, the spokesperson released a propaganda video declaring, ‘We are preparing our army for the day Israel ignores our advice not to capture the Philadelphi Route.’” The fragility of regional regimes is a critical factor. Just as the regime of Bashar Assad in Syria succumbed to internal strife, the governments of Egypt and Jordan are not immune to similar risks. Economic hardship, public dissatisfaction and Islamist opposition could destabilize these nations. A leadership change in either country could result in regimes far less committed to maintaining stability with Israel, inheriting vast military arsenals and populations steeped in anti-Israel sentiment. CONTINUE READING   Share This Email Share This Email   DONATE     Copyright © Zionist Organization of America 2024, All rights reserved. Zionist Organization of America | 633 Third Ave 31 B | New York, NY 10017 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice