Egypt's Sissi Responds to Smotrich's Sinai Threat

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi has responded to remarks made by Israeli Finance Minister Betsalel Smotrich, who suggested that Egypt could lose the Sinai Peninsula if it attacked Israel. Sissi emphasized that Egypt fought a war to reclaim its territory and questioned the intentions attributed to Egypt by some Israeli officials, wondering if unfounded fears of Egyptian territorial ambitions existed in Israel.

President Sissi assured that Egypt harbors no hidden intentions toward Israel and that its primary focus is on preserving its security and stability. He stressed Cairo's commitment to protecting its borders, national interests, and population's resources within a framework of peace. "Our main objective is to preserve our security and stability," Sissi stated.

The controversy originated from an interview given by Smotrich to the Israeli website HaShtiebelach. When asked about potential future threats, including an Egyptian attack, Smotrich stated, "What would prevent Egypt from attacking us? The certainty that if it attacks us, there will be no more Sinai, at a minimum." Smotrich did not propose an offensive against Egypt but rather discussed the potential consequences of an Egyptian attack on Israel.

Smotrich's comments sparked strong reactions in Egyptian media, with some outlets issuing threats against Israel. The remarks were made within a broader interview discussing Israel's strategic situation, primarily the war in Gaza, military control of the Gaza Strip, and the status of Hamas and Hezbollah forces.