Smotrich's Sinai Remark Sparks Egyptian Outrage and Threats

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's recent remarks about Egypt and the Sinai Peninsula have ignited a firestorm of criticism in Egyptian media, with some outlets issuing direct threats against Israel. The comments were made during a brief response in an interview that covered broader issues related to the Gaza war and Israel's security.

In an interview with the Haredi website "Hashtiblech," Smotrich was asked about potential future threats to Israel and what might prevent Egypt from attacking. He responded, "What will prevent Egypt from attacking us? The understanding that if they attack us, there will be no Sinai, at least." He then moved on to other topics, with a significant portion of the interview focusing on the war in Gaza, Israeli military control in the Strip, and the threats posed by Hamas and Hezbollah.

Egyptian media reports, particularly in Egypt, framed Smotrich's statement as an Israeli threat to "annihilate Sinai" or a direct threat to Egypt. The timing of the remarks, near the 53rd anniversary of the October War, heightened their sensitivity in Egypt. Official statements from the Egyptian presidency or foreign ministry have not yet been issued.

However, several Egyptian media figures and public personalities close to the government launched sharp attacks. Ahmed Moussa warned that if Israel "acts recklessly, there will be no Israeli state," asserting that any threat to Sinai means direct confrontation with Egypt, stating, "What happened in 1967 will not be repeated." Amr Adeeb escalated the rhetoric, saying, "Before you throw us into the sea, you will be in the sewers," adding, "There will be no Tel Aviv, no Ben Gurion Airport, and no Netanyahu."

Mostafa Bakry, a member of parliament and media personality, called Smotrich a "radical Zionist thug" and accused him of treating Egypt as ownerless territory. Bakry stated that the Egyptian army is prepared to "crush anyone who dares to harm national security" and directly addressed Smotrich, saying, "You will be a prisoner."

While Smotrich's comment was made in response to a hypothetical question about an Egyptian attack, not as a declaration of intent to wage war or occupy Sinai, its sharp and unusual phrasing contributed to the intense Egyptian media reaction, especially given the sensitivity surrounding Sinai and Egyptian-Israeli relations. The full interview indicates the discussion was broader, focusing significantly on the Gaza war, Israeli military capabilities, and potential regional threats.