Egypt's Shift in Rhetoric: President Sisi Declares Israel an "Enemy"

In a significant shift in diplomatic language, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi referred to Israel as an "enemy" during his address at the Arab-Islamic summit in Doha on September 15, 2025. This marked the first time since the 1979 peace treaty that an Egyptian leader has used such terminology, signaling a potential fracture in the long-standing, albeit "cold," peace between Egypt and Israel. Sisi's remarks came in the context of escalating tensions following Israel's military actions in Gaza and its recent strikes in Qatar, which he claimed threaten regional stability and peace agreements.

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Sisi's declaration was not made in isolation; it reflects a broader context of deteriorating relations exacerbated by Israel's military operations in Gaza, which began in October 2023. The Egyptian government has increasingly voiced concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the potential influx of refugees into Sinai, which Sisi described as a "red line." The Egyptian military has responded by bolstering its presence in North Sinai, deploying approximately 40,000 troops and advanced weaponry, including Chinese-made air defense systems, in preparation for potential conflict.

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In his speech, Sisi criticized Israel's actions as detrimental to the prospects for peace, stating, "What is happening right now hinders the future of peace, threatens your security and the security of the peoples in the region." He warned that Israel's policies could undo existing peace agreements and urged for "decisive and sincere action" against what he termed "the enemy's ambitions." This rhetoric aligns with a growing sentiment among Arab leaders who view Israel's military aggression as a direct threat to regional security.

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Egypt's Foreign Ministry condemned Israel's military offensive in Gaza as a "grave escalation" and a "blatant violation" of international humanitarian law. The ministry warned of catastrophic consequences for both the Palestinian territories and the wider region. In response to Sisi's remarks, Israeli officials have expressed concern over the implications for bilateral relations, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggesting that any attack on Egyptian territory would be met with severe consequences.

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While Sisi's comments have resonated with some Arab leaders, there are concerns regarding the feasibility of forming a united Arab military alliance to counter Israeli actions. Analysts have pointed out that historical divisions among Arab states, differing security priorities, and the potential for U.S. opposition could hinder the establishment of such a coalition. General Ali Hefzi, a former Egyptian defense official, noted that "Arab states are far from unified," complicating efforts to coordinate a collective response.

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The implications of Sisi's declaration extend beyond rhetoric. The Egyptian government is preparing for potential escalations, including military confrontations, while also advocating for a renewed Arab military alliance to address external threats. As regional dynamics shift, the possibility of a new security order in the Middle East is emerging, driven by a collective response to perceived Israeli aggression.

The New Arab

• “To the people of Israel, I say: What is happening now undermines the future of peace, threatens your security and the security of all the peoples of the region, obstructs any chances of any new peace agreements, and even aborts existing peace agreements with the countries of the region.” — Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, President of Egypt

The American Conservative

• “Do not let the work of our predecessors for peace go to waste. If you do, regret will be of no use,” — Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, President of Egypt

Egypt prepares for potential conflict in Sinai amid Gaza crisis

• “seeks to turn [the region] into an arena for aggression, which threatens stability in the entire region and constitutes a serious breach of international peace and security, and the stable rules of the international order.” — Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, President of Egypt

The American Conservative

• “Egypt has escalated its rhetoric against Israel, declaring that any Israeli attack on its territory would be treated as a declaration of war.” — Diaa Rashwan, Head of Egypt’s State Information Service

Middle East Monitor

This evolving situation underscores the fragility of peace in the region and the potential for renewed conflict, as Egypt reassesses its strategic posture in light of Israel's actions.

The American Conservative