Former Israeli Diplomat: Ongoing Tensions with Egypt Could Push “Largest Arab Army” to the Border
Hebrew newspaper “Yedioth Ahronoth” reported that Egypt is reportedly taking steps that may undermine the security annex of the 1979 peace treaty with Israel, by establishing new facts on the ground in the Sinai Peninsula, potentially affecting the security balance established 46 years ago.
The report cited statements by former Israeli Ambassador to Cairo David Gofrin, who explained that the military annex stipulated demilitarized zones and restrictions on the deployment of Egyptian forces, while Israel faced comparatively limited restrictions.
Egyptian Sovereignty Concerns
Gofrin noted that Egypt considered these clauses an infringement on its national sovereignty and has gradually sought to reduce the restrictions by increasing troop deployments in Sinai. He added that the official Egyptian discourse referred to this as “diminished sovereignty,” viewing Israel as having defined the permitted number of troops and equipment.
Displacement Concerns
The former diplomat explained that Cairo’s concern over potential “forced displacement” of Palestinians following Israeli military operations in Gaza led Egypt to consider this a direct national security threat. Gofrin called on Israel to issue an official position rejecting any forced migration into Egyptian territory, noting that such a stance could reduce political and media tensions between the two sides.
Political and Military Tensions
Gofrin also highlighted unprecedented hostile statements by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi toward Israel at the Doha summit, citing escalation in Gaza, concerns over possible assassinations of Hamas leaders in Cairo, and the suspension of a new $35 billion gas deal. He warned that these tensions could lead to the deployment of the so-called “Largest Arab Army” to the border, replacing what had been described as the “Palestinian Riviera.”
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