Egypt is building up a huge military force right next to Israel’s border, breaking a decades-old peace deal. Israeli leaders are sounding the alarm, saying Egypt’s actions are “not tolerable.” Tanks, troops, and new military bases have flooded Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula—a region that’s supposed to stay mostly demilitarized under the 1979 peace treaty. This aggressive move has many asking: Is Egypt getting ready for war?
The peace treaty between Israel and Egypt was supposed to keep Sinai free of heavy weapons and large armies. But satellite photos show Egypt has built three new airfields, massive tunnels for storing weapons, and camps for four times as many soldiers as allowed. They’ve even moved top-tier Abrams tanks—the kind used for attacking enemies—into the area. Experts say these aren’t just defense tools. They’re built for offense.
Israel’s ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, blasted Egypt’s actions as a “clear violation” of the peace deal. He warned that Israel won’t stay quiet while its southern neighbor arms up on its doorstep. For years, Egypt snuck troops into Sinai without permission and only asked Israel to approve it later. Now those forces aren’t leaving—even though the threat from ISIS in Sinai is gone. Critics say Egypt is slowly taking over land meant to be neutral.
Conservatives argue this crisis shows what happens when weak leaders let enemies bend the rules. Former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved Egypt’s troop increases again and again, even when it hurt Israel’s security. Now Egypt has enough firepower in Sinai to launch a surprise attack—and Israeli towns near the border could pay the price. Trusting dictators like Egypt’s President Sisi always backfires, they say.
The U.S. has sent Egypt over $80 billion in military aid since 1979—money meant to keep peace in the region. But instead of buying stability, that cash helped Egypt build an army that could threaten Israel. Some in Congress want to cut off aid until Egypt follows the peace deal. Why should American taxpayers fund weapons that might one day be used against our closest ally?
Egypt claims its troops are in Sinai to stop terrorists and smuggling. But after October 7th, Israel found dozens of tunnels near Egypt’s border used by Hamas to sneak weapons into Gaza. If Egypt really wanted peace, why let terrorists operate under their noses? Their new military bases look more like preparation for conflict than counterterrorism.
Israeli experts warn this could become another October 7th-style disaster if leaders don’t act fast. The government must demand Egypt remove illegal forces from Sinai—no more excuses. The IDF needs to train for possible war with Egypt and team up with allies like Saudi Arabia and Greece. Peace only lasts when your enemy knows you’re strong enough to fight back.
The clock is ticking. Every day Egypt’s tanks stay in Sinai brings more risk to Israeli families living near the border. Conservatives say it’s time for tough love: Stop U.S. funding until Egypt backs down, make Netanyahu take responsibility for his mistakes, and show the world Israel won’t be bullied. After Hamas’ massacre, letting another enemy build up forces unchecked isn’t just naive—it’s deadly.
