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Egypt's Expanded Military Presence in Sinai: Is Israeli Concern Justified?

(Institute for National Security Studies-Tel Aviv University) Amb. Amira Oron - Recently, questions have been raised in Israel regarding the expanded Egyptian military presence in the Sinai Peninsula and near the international border with Israel, in addition to the significant buildup of the Egyptian army during the years of President el-Sisi's rule. Egypt is committed to the peace treaty with Israel. This is conveyed unequivocally to Israel and is also stated publicly by President al-Sisi and other senior officials. Al-Sisi told the Arab League summit in Cairo on March 4 that the 1979 peace treaty between Israel and Egypt is a worthy example of turning hostility, war, and the desire for revenge into lasting peace and diplomatic relations. The commitment to the peace treaty effectively eliminates Egyptian motivation to initiate war against Israel. Egypt regained the Sinai Peninsula, and since then, Egyptian sovereignty has been maintained and respected by Israel. Egyptians are well aware of the consequences of war and the extensive destruction it entails. The national vision of channeling resources into economic development that President al-Sisi has formulated and is advancing for Egypt could be destroyed in a few days of fighting with Israel. The Egyptians repeatedly remind themselves of the heavy price Egypt paid for the Palestinian cause during the rule of Abdel Nasser. In their view, that era has passed; Egypt now prioritizes its own interests and welfare. Escalation with Israel would only occur if Egypt were to conclude that Israel poses a direct and concrete threat to Egyptian national security. The writer, a senior researcher at INSS, served as Israel's Ambassador to Egypt (2020-2024).
2025-03-27 00:00:00
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