Former Mossad deputy chief warns of Egyptian military expansion, urges preparedness

Former Mossad deputy chief and current Knesset member Ram Ben-Barak has warned of growing anti-Israel calls in Egypt, stressing the need to prepare for all scenarios despite the peace treaty between the two countries, Israeli radio station 103FM reported.

The former Israeli security official said preparations should be made for any scenario amid Egypt’s military expansion and growing tensions along the southern border, which he said were raising concerns within Israel’s security establishment.

The Maariv-affiliated radio station said Ben-Barak told presenters Ben Caspit and Ariel Kahana in an interview that, despite the peace treaty with Egypt, there were “very worrying” developments that required Israel to remain prepared.

He expressed concern that the expansion of the Egyptian military was being directed towards Israel rather than another country without justification. He also cited alleged violations in Sinai and growing anti-Israel currents in Egypt, saying the situation required diplomatic efforts alongside strengthening military readiness and preparing for all possibilities.

The radio station said Ben-Barak also addressed reported Israeli military activity in Syria against Turkish forces, warning that Turkey’s attempts to become involved in Syria and deploy aircraft-detection systems and radars there were difficult for Israel to accept and should not be ignored.

However, he stressed the need to avoid escalation and violence with Turkey, calling for political action through US influence to reach security agreements with Syria that exclude a Turkish presence.

He said the role of leadership was to end conflicts, not open them, adding that Israel’s response would be decisive only if Turkey attacked.