Sisi Reveals Netanyahu's Concern Over Egypt's Military Buildup
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS Arabic by baba
Egyptian President el-Sisi disclosed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu questioned Egypt's military buildup, which Sisi stated is for regional security and not a threat to Israel. Sisi told Netanyahu that Egypt's strength should be viewed as Cairo views Israel's military power. He also reiterated that establishing a Palestinian state is crucial for regional stability, a view Netanyahu has not accepted. Sisi affirmed Egypt's commitment to its peace treaty with Israel.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- President Sisi revealed PM Netanyahu questioned Egypt's military buildup, which Sisi says is for regional security.
- Sisi told Netanyahu Egypt's military strength is not a threat to Israel.
- Egypt's military buildup aims to protect national security and regional peace, Sisi stated.
- Sisi reiterated that establishing a Palestinian state is key to regional stability.
- Netanyahu remains unconvinced about the Palestinian statehood solution, according to Sisi.
- Sisi affirmed Egypt's commitment to its peace treaty with Israel.
Egyptian President el-Sisi revealed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously expressed concern over Egypt's growing military capabilities, directly asking why Cairo continued to arm itself. Sisi stated that Egypt's military strengthening is not aimed at Israel but is intended to protect the nation's security and maintain regional peace and stability.
Speaking at a police academy graduation ceremony in New Cairo, Sisi recounted Netanyahu's question: "Why are you arming yourselves? Why are you buying weapons?" He asserted that Netanyahu, as Israel's leader, knows Egypt poses no threat. Sisi responded to Netanyahu by suggesting Israel view Egypt's military strength as Cairo views Israel's capabilities, stating, "I have never seen Israel's strength as a threat to me, and I believe you should also deal with us from the understanding that Egypt's strength does not represent a threat to you."
Sisi emphasized that a strong military is essential for maintaining stability amid regional turmoil, explaining that Egypt needs to enhance its forces to preserve its peace, not just with Israel but across the region. He added that Egypt's security doctrine focuses on building a deterrent military and security force to protect the state and its peace achievements, reiterating that its growing capabilities do not signal hostile intentions toward Israel.
Regarding the Israeli-Palestinian issue, Sisi told reporters that he has repeatedly told Netanyahu since 2013 that establishing a Palestinian state is key to regional stability and Israel's full integration into the Middle East. He believes a Palestinian state would bring "real stability for everyone" and open the door for Israel's regional integration, but noted that Netanyahu remains unconvinced.
These remarks come amid heightened Israeli sensitivity to Egypt's military buildup and troop presence in the Sinai Peninsula, as well as public tensions between Cairo and some Israeli officials. Sisi reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to its peace treaty with Israel, stressing that his country harbors no "hidden ambitions" regarding Israeli territory and that its military buildup is solely for self-defense and regional peace.
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