Amid escalating tensions in Gaza, both Egyptians and Israelis are warning of the potential for a new conflict.

Egypt-Israel Tensions Grow Amid War Speculation and Diplomatic Strains

CAIRO:
Concerns about a potential war between Egypt and Israel have surged among Egyptians, fueled by economic hardship, Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza and Lebanon, and a heated diplomatic standoff over US President Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate Palestinians to Egypt.

Key Developments:

1. Rising Public Anxiety

   • Conversations across Egypt reflect a growing fear of conflict, with media outlets and social platforms amplifying speculation.
   • AI-generated war scenarios have surfaced online, depicting attacks on Egypt’s High Dam and Israel’s nuclear reactor, further inflaming tensions.

2. Disputed Military Buildup in Sinai

   • Israel has accused Egypt of exceeding military limits in the Sinai Peninsula, a violation of the 1979 peace treaty that ended decades of conflict.
   • Cairo insists that its deployments comply with a 2016 agreement allowing enhanced security in Sinai to combat terrorism.

3. Trump’s Controversial Gaza Plan

   • The US proposal to forcibly relocate Palestinians to Egypt has been firmly rejected by Cairo.
   • Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi warned that such a move could destabilize Sinai and lead to direct conflict with Israel.

4. Israeli Officials’ Concerns

   • Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter and UN envoy Danny Danon have questioned Egypt’s military spending, suggesting it signals war preparations.
   • Outgoing Israeli military chief Herzi Halevi acknowledged the potential threat but downplayed its immediacy.

5. Diplomatic and Regional Implications

   • Arab nations are set to meet in Cairo to discuss a counter-plan to Trump’s proposal.
   • Analysts warn that strained relations between Egypt and Israel could endanger the 1979 peace treaty, a cornerstone of regional security.

While military experts dismiss an imminent Egypt-Israel war, tensions have reached their highest point in decades. With diplomatic negotiations on shaky ground and public rhetoric escalating, the future of the Egypt-Israel peace agreement is under unprecedented pressure.