Egyptian President El-Sisi Responds to Israeli Minister Smotrich's Sinai Threat

Egyptian President el-Sisi has responded to remarks made by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who suggested that if Egypt were to attack Israel, "there would be no Sinai." El-Sisi asserted that Egypt fought a war to defend its territory and regained all of it. He questioned whether certain Israeli parties harbored unfounded notions or fears of Egypt having regional ambitions toward Israel. The Egyptian president emphasized that his country's primary objective is to maintain its security and stability, protecting its people's interests and resources. He clarified that Egypt harbors no hidden agendas and its top priority is safeguarding its borders and national security within a framework of peace and stability.

Smotrich's comments, made during an interview with the "Hsheteflik" website, were part of a broader discussion on the war in Gaza. When asked about potential future threats to Israel, Smotrich stated, "What will prevent Egypt from attacking us? The understanding is that if they attack us, there will be no Sinai, at least." The remainder of the interview focused on Gaza, the Israeli military's control of the strip, and the status of Hamas and Hezbollah.

Smotrich's remarks about Sinai generated significant backlash in the Egyptian media, with some outlets issuing explicit threats against Israel. However, a closer examination of the full context indicates Smotrich did not deliver a speech against Egypt or present a plan to harm Sinai, but rather mentioned it briefly within a much larger conversation primarily centered on Gaza.