'Israel' concerned about Egyptian army capabilities, Halevi says
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Israeli occupation forces Chief Herzi Halevi voiced concerns over Egypt’s growing military strength, citing its advanced weaponry and large forces.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds signs as he addresses the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, September 27, 2024. (AP)
Outgoing Israeli occupation forces Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi expressed significant concerns over Egypt's military strength, citing its advanced weaponry and sizable forces.
In an interview with Israeli Channel 14, Halevi stated, "We are very worried about this. Egypt has a large army equipped with advanced combat systems, aircraft, submarines, warships, and modern tanks, along with a vast number of infantry troops."
While he noted that Egypt does not currently pose a threat, he warned that the situation could change "in an instant" with a shift in leadership.
This comes after Channel 14 reported earlier in February that the Israeli occupation had begun gathering intelligence on the Egyptian military in the Sinai Peninsula. Israeli security and military institutions have reportedly obtained testimonies indicating that Egypt was allegedly repositioning its forces in Sinai in violation of the 1979 Camp David Accords.
The treaty divides Sinai into three zones, restricting military presence in certain areas. Recent modifications allowed Egyptian forces to be deployed in previously demilitarized zones.
Israeli media also highlighted short videos released by the Egyptian army showing military exercises in the area, including tunnel-based operations.
An Israeli military analyst claimed that the Pentagon has contacted Egypt’s military seeking clarification on these activities. However, the Israeli occupation has reportedly proceeded with intelligence gathering in Sinai without waiting for US intervention.
Demilitarizing southern Syria
A similar fate has met Syria, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling for the full demilitarization of Southern Syria, citing escalating security concerns over the presence of "hostile forces near Israel’s borders," Israel Hayom reported.
On his part, Israel Hayom's diplomatic analyst Ariel Kahana argued that Netanyahu's demand, which focuses on the provinces of Quneitra, Daraa, and Suwayda, is driven by fears that "internal sectarian tensions and deep-seated hostility toward Israel" could spiral into renewed instability, despite the current fragile calm in Syria.
One of "Israel’s" primary fears, Kahana said, is the uncertain authority of Syria’s new leadership under Ahmad al-Sharaa.
"He may not intend to attack Israel, but it is unclear whether he can maintain firm control over Syria for long," he stressed.
If "anti-Israel militias" emerge along the border, "it’s uncertain whether he will act against them—or even want to," Kahana further added.
Earlier this month, Israeli occupation forces deployed new reinforcements to recently established occupied positions within the so-called buffer zone in Southern Syria, raising warning signs to deter residents from approaching.
According to a local source, the reinforcements were sent to four of nine fixed Israeli occupation positions: Mount Hermon in the Damascus countryside, al-Hamidiya in the Quneitra countryside, and the al-Jazeera barracks in the Daraa countryside.
