Egypt condemns Israeli minister's Sinai remarks as election ploy

Egypt has categorically rejected the mention of Sinai in recent statements by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, describing his threats as part of an escalatory tone linked to electoral objectives.

A well-informed Egyptian source, quoted by Egypt's Middle East News Agency in response to queries about Smotrich's remarks over the past two days, said these "empty threats" coincide with Egypt's celebrations of the 53rd anniversary of the October War victory. The source stressed that there is "no need for further assurances regarding Egypt's ability to defend its territory and maintain its independence against any threats."

The source added that Smotrich's statements about Sinai and the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza represent, in his words, "a transparent attempt to use empty escalation for electoral purposes by making such statements."

In a recent video interview with an Israeli website, Smotrich said that if Egypt attacked Israel, "there would be no Sinai," adding that such a scenario "will not happen again."