Egyptian TV host Ahmed Moussa has issued a stern warning to Israel, cautioning against any recklessness or attempt to infringe upon Egypt's territory. In a recent episode of his program "Ala Mas'ouleety" (On My Responsibility), Moussa emphasized that Egypt would not tolerate any violation of its territory or encroachment upon Sinai. He stressed that the Egyptian state currently possesses the strength to safeguard its national security, despite surrounding pressures and challenges.
Moussa's comments were in response to remarks made by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich regarding Egypt and Sinai. Smotrich had warned that there would be no Sinai if Egypt moved to attack Israel. Moussa retorted that if the Zionist entity acts recklessly, it will spell its own end, and that the ambitions of tyrants shatter at Egypt's doorstep. He emphasized that all 120 million Egyptians would die defending Egypt, and Israel would pay a heavy price if it took any step threatening Egyptian national security.
During the episode, Moussa recalled key moments from the October 1973 War, including the capture of Israeli soldiers by Egyptian forces. He discussed Egypt's military capabilities and the message of deterrence that he believes remains relevant today. Moussa assured that Egypt does not seek war, stating that what happened then will never be repeated, for Egypt is an advocate of peace. However, he stressed that peace does not mean abandoning the protection of Egyptian territory or national security.
Moussa's statements follow warnings he had previously issued over the past few months against testing Egypt's military capabilities. In June, he warned Israel not to put Egypt to the test, emphasizing that the Egyptian Armed Forces are continuously enhancing their capabilities and are fully capable of safeguarding national security and the country's borders. Egypt and Israel are bound by a 1979 peace treaty that ended the state of war between the two nations and established security and military arrangements in Sinai and along the border areas.
Cairo officially affirms its commitment to peace while simultaneously emphasizing the protection of its sovereignty and national security. Moussa stressed that neither Smotrich, nor his country, nor any other nation on earth would be able to come anywhere near even a single inch of Sinai. He emphasized that Egypt would not tolerate any violation of its territory or encroachment upon Sinai, and that the Egyptian state is committed to defending its national security.
The October 1973 War was a significant event in Egyptian history, and Moussa's references to it were seen as a warning to Israel. The war resulted in the capture of Israeli soldiers by Egyptian forces and marked a turning point in the country's relations with Israel. Moussa's comments have sparked a renewed debate about Egypt's military capabilities and its commitment to national security.
The Egyptian government has yet to comment on Moussa's statements, but his words have been widely reported in the Egyptian media. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between Egypt and Israel, and the complexities of their relations. Key issues, including border security and national sovereignty, remain at the forefront of their bilateral relations.
Key points
- Egypt will not tolerate any violation of its territory or encroachment upon Sinai.
- Moussa warned Israel that any recklessness could lead to a "lesson greater than 1973".
- Egypt and Israel are bound by a 1979 peace treaty that established security and military arrangements in Sinai and along the border areas.
