Israeli UN envoy warns of Egypt's military buildup: 'Why all the submarines and tanks?' - Jerusalem Post Staff

 

by Jerusalem Post Staff

While Egypt has played a central role as a mediator between Israel and Hamas, Danon’s words highlighted a growing trust gap between the two nations.

 

Members of the military stand next to a helicopter next to the French ship amphibious helicopter carrier Dixmude as it docks, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in the city of Al-Arish, Sinai peninsula, Egypt, January 21, 2024.

(photo credit: MOHAMED ABD EL GHANY/REUTERS)

Danny Danon, Israel’s ambassador to the UN, raised concerns about Egypt’s military expansion, questioning its necessity in the absence of threats.

Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon issued a stark warning about Egypt’s growing military arsenal, questioning why Cairo is investing hundreds of millions of dollars annually in advanced weaponry despite facing no immediate threats.

Speaking to journalist Mendi Rizel on Kol Barama radio’s News of the Week, Danon called Egypt’s buildup a cause for concern in light of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel.

“They spend hundreds of millions of dollars on modern military equipment every year, yet they have no threats on their borders,” Danon said. “Why do they need all these submarines and tanks? After October 7, alarm bells should be raised. We have learned our lesson. We must monitor Egypt closely and prepare for every scenario.”

‘The US needs to explain this’

Danon also pointed to Washington’s role in supplying Egypt’s military and urged a reevaluation of the issue.

“We need to ask the United States why Egypt requires all this equipment,” he said.

His remarks marked the first time a senior Israeli official had publicly raised such concerns about Egypt’s military expansion.

Danon’s comments came amid heightened tensions in the region, as Israel reevaluated its defense strategy following the Hamas-led October 7 massacre. While Egypt has played a central role as a mediator between Israel and Hamas, Danon’s words highlighted a growing trust gap between the two nations.

Israel and Egypt signed a peace treaty in 1979, but Jerusalem has closely monitored Cairo’s military procurement, particularly its ties with the US military and its purchases of advanced European weapons systems. 

Jerusalem Post Staff

Source: https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-840114

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