Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi directly addressed extreme remarks made by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, marking the first time the Egyptian leader responded publicly to such statements since the October 2023 escalation. Smotrich had told the “Hashivim” website on October 5 that there would be no Sinai if attacked by Egypt, warning that Cairo would not attack Israel due to fear of Tel Aviv reoccupying the peninsula.
Sisi’s Response at Military Academy
Speaking at the Armed Forces Educational Conference on the anniversary of the October 1973 war, Sisi rejected the notion of conflict. He asked, “Who told you that we want to fight?” and asserted that Egypt has no agenda for war. The president emphasized that Egypt fought to defend its own land and that the matter is closed. He clarified that he harbors no ambitions toward Israeli territory, noting that while concerns from the past sixty years persist, his only goal is to preserve his country’s borders. Sisi affirmed that as long as both sides respect each other’s territories, there are no hidden agendas, citing the existing peace treaty as proof of Egypt’s lack of territorial claims.
Interaction with Netanyahu
During an event for police academy graduates, Sisi displayed a warmer tone regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. When questioned about why Egypt arms its military, Sisi replied that he has never seen Israel’s strength as a threat to him. He urged Netanyahu to view Egypt’s power similarly, stating, “You also need to deal with us knowing that Egypt’s strength is not a threat to you.”
Criticism and Strategic Analysis
The response drew sharp criticism from Egyptian opposition figures. Activist Shreen Elwarraq described the president’s demeanor as having a “wide smile” and a “submissive and friendly language,” labeling it a conciliatory reaction that fails to match the severity of Smotrich’s threats. Critics argued that the reply sent reassuring messages to Israel despite ongoing rhetoric from Israeli leaders about reclaiming Sinai.
Israeli media outlets, including “Yedioth Ahronoth,” “Maariv,” and “I24 News,” covered the comments extensively, interpreting them as confirmation that Egypt does not desire war and prefers to avoid a verbal confrontation. Meanwhile, tensions remain high due to continued inflammatory rhetoric from Israeli officials regarding Egypt’s military buildup in Sinai. Former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen previously warned that the dense deployment of Egyptian forces complicates Israeli security protocols. Furthermore, Israel has established a new military base near the Rafah border since July, just 70 meters from the Egyptian frontier, actions analysts describe as part of a strategy threatening Egypt’s national security.
