Israel HayomPolitics21:34

Egypt's Sisi Responds to Israeli Minister's Sinai Threat

By שחר קליימן

Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba

Center-rightNeutral tone

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Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi responded to Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's comments about Sinai, stating Egypt defended its land and has no hidden agendas. Smotrich had suggested Israel would seize Sinai if Egypt went to war. Sisi emphasized Egypt's commitment to its security and the peace treaty with Israel. An Egyptian source later stated that Cairo completely rejects any Israeli statements including Sinai and affirmed Egypt's ability to defend itself.

The story in 6 lines · by baba

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi rejected Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's remarks about Sinai.
Smotrich had reportedly stated Israel would seize Sinai if Egypt initiated a war.
Sisi asserted Egypt fought defensively for its land and has no hidden agendas.
He emphasized Egypt's priority is its security, stability, and national borders.
An Egyptian source stated Cairo completely rejects any Israeli statements including Sinai.
Egypt affirmed its ability to defend its land and independence.

Egypt's Sisi Responds to Israeli Minister's Sinai Threat — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi responded Wednesday to recent statements by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich regarding the Sinai Peninsula. Sisi emphasized that Egypt fought a defensive war for its land and reclaimed all its territory. Smotrich had reportedly stated that if Cairo initiated a war, Israel would seize Sinai and not return it. The Israeli minister had also discussed the fronts against Hamas and Hezbollah, arguing for territorial concessions in Gaza and Lebanon.

President Sisi questioned whether certain Israeli circles harbor baseless fears about Egyptian ambitions. Speaking at a military conference, he asserted that Egypt's primary and sole objective is to safeguard its security and stability and preserve its people's resources. He added that Egypt has no hidden agendas and prioritizes maintaining its borders and national security within a framework of peace and stability.

Sisi further stated that the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel guides their relations, and Egypt has no aspirations toward any party. He reiterated Egypt's support for the two-state solution, viewing it as the only realistic path to a just and lasting peace, leading to a respected Palestinian state and a respected Israeli state. This vision, he explained, aims for generational stability.

Smotrich's remarks had previously sparked anger in Egypt, drawing criticism from television hosts. Subsequently, a well-informed Egyptian source told media close to the Cairo government that Egypt "completely rejects the inclusion of Sinai in the statements of the Israeli Minister of Finance (Bezalel Smotrich)." The source affirmed Egypt's capability to defend its land and preserve its independence. The source also stated that Egypt would never accept or participate in the expulsion of Palestinians from their lands.