Egyptian general defends army’s buildup amid Israeli remarks

Egyptian Major General Samir Farag, a prominent military strategist, has responded to recent Israeli remarks about the growing strength of Egypt’s armed forces, asserting that Cairo’s military buildup is defensive and rooted in national security priorities.

In comments to local media, Farag said Israel’s concerns were “an outcome of internal political turmoil rather than a real threat from Egypt.” He emphasized that Egypt has honoured its peace treaty with Israel without violation for nearly 44 years, underscoring that “peace remains a strategic choice for the Egyptian state.”

Farag explained that Egypt’s security doctrine rests on balancing economic development with maintaining a strong deterrent military force. “Over the past years, Egypt has focused on building its economy while strengthening its army to protect peace,” he said. “Otherwise, our fate would have been like Japan’s.”

Drawing a comparison, the general noted that Japan prioritized economic growth after World War II while relying on the United States for defence, which left it vulnerable during later territorial disputes with Russia.

He dismissed Israeli claims about Egypt’s military posture as politically motivated, arguing they were meant to divert attention from Israel’s inability to achieve its objectives in Gaza—including freeing hostages, eliminating Hamas, and dismantling the enclave’s infrastructure.

Farag stressed that Egypt’s military modernization is not aimed at Israel but reflects the need to address multiple regional threats. He highlighted Egypt’s strong partnership with the United States, citing the joint Bright Star military exercises, and praised President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s strategy of diversifying Egypt’s arms suppliers after decades of dependence on US weapons during Hosni Mubarak’s rule.

READ: Egyptian FM on Sudan’s Hemedti’s remarks: We have strategic patience