4 | DECEMBER 26 • 2024 J N PURELY COMMENTARY opinion Egypt’s Military Buildup: A Looming Threat to Israel E gypt, long considered a country maintaining a cold peace with Israel, is raising alarms with its disproportionate military expansion and question- able activities. The lessons of Oct. 7, when over 1,200 Israelis were killed by Hamas, underscore the importance of vigilance. Egypt’s complicity in facilitating Hamas’ weapon smuggling through Sinai tunnels highlights the risks of complacency. Despite international agreements, Egypt turned a blind eye, with reports suggesting officials profited from the trade. This underlines a critical lesson: Israel must always prepare for worst-case scenarios, even with perceived partners. THE SCOPE AND PURPOSE OF EGYPT’S MILITARY EXPANSION Egypt has amassed an arsenal that far exceeds its defensive needs. Advanced fighter jets, modern tanks, drones and an expansive navy position Egypt as a regional military powerhouse. These developments, combined with its strategic control of the Suez Canal and Mediterranean naval presence, raise questions about Egypt’s intentions. Lt. Col. (Res.) Eli Dekel, former head of terrain research at the IDF Intelligence Division, recently highlighted these threats. Dekel described Egypt’s military activity in the Sinai Peninsula as clear preparation for war with Israel: “The Egyptian army is deployed on the border. I see them there. Egyptian tanks are stationed in areas where no Egyptian soldier is allowed to be. The actions of the Egyptian military in Sinai prove they are preparing for war with Israel.” Dekel emphasized Egypt’s deep- rooted hostility toward Israel and its long-term ambitions: “Egypt is heavily invested in preparing itself for military confrontation when the global power dynamics align in its favor. Once a leader of the Arab world, Egypt was ostracized after recognizing Israel. Its strategic goal has always been the undermining of Israel’s existence. Until they achieve this goal, they do everything they can to diminish Israel’s capabilities.” ALARMING MILITARY PREPARATIONS Egypt’s recent activities are particularly concerning. According to Dekel, Egypt has begun constructing massive tunnels in the Sinai Peninsula, with entrances up to seven meters wide and likely tens of meters long, designed to store strategic weapons. These tunnels mirror similar structures already built on the western bank of the Suez Canal, with approximately 60 such tunnels in place. “I don’t know of any other enemy Egypt is fortifying against like this,” Dekel said. “They are not digging 60 tunnels in Sinai to defend against Iran. This is offensive weaponry, protected from airstrikes, ready to be deployed when they choose.” Dekel also highlighted Egypt’s rhetoric and military propaganda, which reflect its growing hostility: “Since the outbreak of the war, Egypt has been sending us veiled threats. Recently, during the inauguration of Cairo’s military academy, Egypt’s military spokesperson openly discussed vulnerabilities in Israel’s Merkava tank while President Sisi himself attended. Just days earlier, the spokes- person released a propaganda video declaring, ‘We are preparing our army for the day Israel ignores our advice not to capture the Philadelphi Route.’” FRAGILE REGIMES AND THE LESSONS OF ASSAD The fragility of regional regimes is a critical factor. Just as Syria’s Assad regime succumbed to internal strife, the governments of Egypt and Jordan are not immune to similar risks. Economic hardship, public dissatisfaction and Islamist opposition could destabilize these nations. A leadership change in either country could result in regimes far less committed to maintaining stability with Israel, inheriting vast military arsenals and populations steeped in anti-Israel sentiment. A CALL TO ACTION To address these looming threats, Israel must act decisively: 1. Fortifying defenses: Strengthen border defenses, focusing on the southern and eastern borders to address risks from Egypt and Jordan. This includes developing robust military and civil defense plans to prepare for worst-case scenarios, such as hostile regime changes or escalations in the region. 2. Reforming IDF leadership and intelligence communication: The devastating events of Oct. 7 highlight a critical failure in leadership and intelligence communication within the IDF high command. The inability to recognize and act on clear warning signs of the impending Hamas attack underscores the urgent need for systemic change. 3. Diplomatic engagement: Work with the Trump administration to ensure Egypt’s military expansion remains transparent and constrained. 4. Maintaining territorial control: Retain sovereignty over strategic areas such as Judea, Samaria and the Philadelphi Corridor to prevent adversaries from exploiting them. Israel’s security depends on anticipating threats and preparing for the unexpected. The lessons of history are clear: Complacency comes at an unbearable cost. Kobi Erez is the executive director of Zionist Organization of America. Kobi Erez A Division of Law Bulletin Media – est. 1854 A lawyer CANNOT buy the distinction of Leading or Emerging Lawyer. The distinction was earned by being among those lawyers most often recommended by their peers. For a full description of our research process, a complete list of all Leading or Emerging Lawyers, and to view profiles of the lawyers listed on this page, go to www.LeadingLawyers.com These LEADING LAWYERS have been recommended by their peers to be among the TOP LAWYERS in Michigan TOP LAWYERS MICHIGAN INJURY BASED UPON A SURVEY OF THEIR PEERS Jennifer M. Grieco Altior Law PC Birmingham 248.372.9884 Personal Injury: Professional Malpractice William M. 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