Israeli Report Incites Against Egypt and Accuses It of Playing a Dangerous Pressure Game on Tel Aviv

Translation by SadaNews - "The dangerous pressure game that Egypt is practicing against Israel," under this title, the Jerusalem Post published a report stating that the live ammunition drills being conducted by Cairo near the Israeli border come at a time when Egypt is facing economic pressures and instability in the Red Sea, amid increasing questions about President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi's regional strategy.

The report added, as translated by SadaNews: "Egypt has continued during the presidency of Abdel Fattah el-Sisi over the past year, especially in recent days, to practice a worrying double game in its relations with Israel. Despite the peace treaty signed in 1979, Cairo has persistently taken positions hostile to Israeli interests. It has taken stances that are considered by Israel and Gulf countries to be overly lenient towards Iran, strongly opposed Israel's recognition of Somaliland, and attempted to intervene in negotiations between Israel and Lebanon. And now, it has conducted provocative military maneuvers near the Israeli border."

The report continued: "These maneuvers come amid severe economic pressures facing Egypt. The country suffers from massive debts, a desperate need for external financing, and economic repercussions stemming from regional instability. Attacks from Yemen, the war with Iran, and tensions in the Red Sea have severely damaged maritime traffic and Suez Canal revenues, dealing another harsh blow to Cairo."

It added: "When war broke out between the United States, Israel, and Iran, Egypt's initial response was considered sympathetic towards Tehran. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry expressed its 'grave concern' over the military escalation, while Sisi avoided condemning Iran by name. This approach has angered Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, who expected more from Egypt than just a cautious statement. They expected assistance, or at least Egyptian air patrols over the Gulf to deter Iran. But this did not happen."

According to the Hebrew report, "Gulf countries feel disappointed towards Egypt, and they have good reasons for that."

The report continued: "Let's go back to Egypt's relationship with Israel. A few days ago, Sisi contacted Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and suggested that Lebanon conduct indirect negotiations with Israel mediated by Egypt in Sharm El-Sheikh, instead of American-sponsored negotiations. Egypt has expressed concern about the direct negotiations currently taking place between Lebanon and Israel."

It added: "Egypt was the first Arab country to normalize relations with Israel. It seems that Cairo believes this gives it the right to control the Israeli peace process or any other party seeking peace with Israel. Fortunately, Aoun rejected this proposal."

The Jerusalem Post continued: "In December 2025, when Israel officially recognized Somaliland as a sovereign state, becoming the first country in the world to do so, Cairo reacted strongly. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry described this step as a gross violation of international law and an infringement on Somalia's sovereignty. Sisi coordinated with Turkey, Djibouti, and Somalia, contributing to leading a joint statement from Arab and Islamic countries against this recognition."

It added: "Egypt considered Israel's recognition of Somaliland a direct strategic threat to its national security because it could allow Israel to gain a foothold in the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa, a region of utmost importance for Egyptian trade routes."

The Hebrew newspaper stated that "the most provocative step is now underway. The Egyptian army has begun extensive live ammunition drills close to the Israeli border, about 100 meters from the fence. While these drills have technically been approved by the Israeli army, they have sparked widespread anger among the residents of the Gaza border area and southern Israel."

It added: "The drills include live fire in wide areas, and Israelis have expressed serious security concerns. Local security officials warned that such activities could create dangerous situations. Some residents even likened the situation to warning signs that preceded the massacre of October 7."

It said: "These maneuvers come amid an accelerating pace of Egyptian military mobilization in Sinai, including the deployment of large forces, tanks, and air defense systems. Israel is increasingly viewing some of these movements as a gradual erosion of the understandings on which the Camp David Accords are based."

The report continues its direct incitement against Egypt and questions: "The obvious question is: If the Sinai Peninsula covers an area of over 60,000 square kilometers, why did Egypt choose to conduct military drills right next to the Israeli border?"

The Hebrew report provides a glimpse of the economic pressures on Egypt, stating that Egypt's external debt ranges between 160 to 170 billion US dollars, with massive annual obligations to service the debt. External funding needs for 2026 are estimated to be in the tens of billions of dollars. Debt servicing consumes a significant portion of government spending, significantly reducing available resources for health, education, and infrastructure sectors.

The Egyptian pound has also experienced a sharp decline in recent years. Egypt still relies on Gulf aid, asset sales, and International Monetary Fund programs. Therefore, Sisi is trying to reconcile conflicting interests; he needs Gulf money, while at the same time trying to maintain relations with Iran and other regional powers, according to the report.

The report continues: "Egypt is rearming itself on a scale that raises questions about its priorities. If Cairo had spent less on weapons over the past decade, it might be in a less acute economic position today."

According to the report: "Egypt has not collapsed as happened in Sri Lanka or Lebanon, but it is on a critical path. Egyptian economic experts have warned that the country could face a serious financial crisis if debts are not repaid on time and external support is not received. A scenario similar to what happened in Lebanon, where banks are unable to return depositors' savings, can no longer be considered mere fantasy."

It continues: "So, what is Egypt doing? It is acting as a domineering regional power. It exerts pressure, creates anxiety, and tries to force others to help it find an economic and political exit."

According to the claims of the Hebrew report: "For weeks, Egypt has been trying to pressure Gulf countries, but with limited success. Sisi's fleeting visit to Saudi Arabia and his meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the airport rather than the palace indicated fundamental disagreements. Egyptian media are under pressure, and the message coming from Cairo is clear: Egypt needs a miracle to recover and avoid collapse."

It added: "The ongoing Egyptian military maneuvers near the Israeli border are part of this pressure campaign, an attempt to provoke Israel and force it to move in favor of Egypt. It seems that Cairo believes that Israel is capable of helping it in its rescue, either by convincing the United States or by pressuring Gulf countries to provide grants or loans to Egypt."

The report concludes by stating: "Israel should not acquiesce to this behavior. It should formally protest to the United States, the mediator and guarantor of the peace framework, regarding Egypt's dangerous behavior near the border and the erosion of the security understandings that have maintained peace for decades."