Israeli envoy to the UN Danny Danon raised concerns about Egypt’s military expansion, questioning its necessity in the absence of threats.
“They spend hundreds of millions of dollars on modern military equipment every year, yet they have no threats on their borders,” Danon said recently during a Kol BaRama radio interview. “Why do they need all these submarines and tanks? After October 7, this should raise alarm bells. We have learned our lesson. We must monitor Egypt closely and prepare for every scenario.”
Speaking to journalist Mendi Rizel on News of the Week, Danon pointed to Washington’s role in supplying Egypt’s military and urged a reevaluation of the issue.
‘The US needs to explain this’
“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 come amid heightened tensions in the region as Israel reevaluates its defense strategy following the October 7 massacre. While Egypt has played a central role as a mediator between Israel and Hamas, Danon’s words highlight a growing lack of trust 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.