29.04.2026 16:11
The Egyptian army's live-fire exercise, to be conducted 100 meters from the Israeli border in the Sinai Peninsula, has caused great concern on the Israeli side. Although coordinated between the two countries, civilians and politicians at the border view the situation as a threat. While some Israelis liken the developments to the period before the October 7 attack, opposition figures argue that Egypt's military activity undermines the peace agreement.
Egyptian army's planned live-fire exercise in the Sinai Peninsula, just 100 meters from the Israeli border, has alarmed both civilians and security circles on the Israeli side. Although it is stated that the exercise was coordinated with Israel under the 1979 peace agreement between the two countries, residents in areas close to the border line are uncomfortable with the situation.
Israeli media reported that some citizens compared this military activity to the developments before the October 7, 2023 attack, in which Hamas killed over a thousand people in Israel.
FIREE RESPONSE FROM POLITICAL WING
The plan for artillery fire and bombardment in the area near the border line also drew reactions from Israeli politicians. Amit Halevi, a member of parliament from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party, harshly criticized the activities of the Egyptian army.
Halevi opposed the conduct of exercises so close to residential areas, evaluating the situation as part of a broader and more concerning process. Claiming that Egypt is systematically violating the peace agreement, Halevi argued that the military infrastructure established in Sinai and the increasing activity pose a threat to Israel.
“IT REMINDS ME OF THE PERIOD BEFORE OCTOBER 7”
An Israeli resident of the Bnei Netzarim town on the border line described the developments as “eerily reminiscent of the pre-October 7 period.” The resident stated that the live-fire exercise could serve as cover for smuggling or potential attacks, questioning why military activities are permitted at such close range.
While the Egyptian side stated that the exercise was carried out as part of routine military training, the developments have brought the delicate balances between the two countries back to the agenda.