Extremist Smotrich: If Egypt Attacks Us, There Will Be No Sinai

Extremist Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich claimed that “there would be no Sinai” if Egypt were to attack the occupied entity. In statements to Hebrew media, he said that what might deter any attack is the imposition of a new reality, adding that in the event of a confrontation with Egypt, it would cost Egypt the loss of territories such as Sinai, asserting that there is no return to the previous status quo. Smotrich called for imposing sovereignty over large parts of the region, demanding that at least half of the Gaza Strip be placed under Israeli sovereignty, along with annexing a strip extending 8 to 12 kilometers into Lebanese territory. He emphasized his refusal to retreat from these lines, considering them a direct price for launching war against Israel. Smotrich stressed the need to change the war strategy, noting that ending the conflict at the initial lines does not achieve deterrence and encourages adversaries to launch new wars without bearing the cost of destruction or human losses. He also revealed a disagreement with Prime Minister Netanyahu over Gaza’s future, stating, “I believe we need to control all of Gaza, encourage emigration, and establish settlements,” adding that ending the war without changing the reality on the ground would give the enemy an incentive, according to his claim.