Israel Alarmed by First-Ever Egypt-China Joint Air Drills Near Border
Israeli media warns of “worrying development” as Chinese fighter jets approach Israeli airspace during historic military exercises with Egypt.
Watan–The Israeli newspaper Maariv has revealed in an in-depth report growing Israeli concerns over the joint air drills being conducted by Egypt and China—for the first time in history.
The report claimed that the Chinese fighter jets participating in the exercises came notably close to the Israeli border, describing this as a “worrying development.” The paper noted that the maneuvers involve a large number of advanced aircraft and come amid escalating regional tensions.
Maariv also pointed out that these developments coincide with rising Israeli concerns about recent Egyptian military deployments in the Sinai Peninsula. The paper highlighted that relations between the two countries have seen noticeable strain since the beginning of the war on Gaza, amid Egyptian fears of a potential displacement of Gaza’s population into Sinai and the resulting security implications on the border.
Analysts have suggested that these moves may constitute a breach of the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel.
Other Israeli media outlets have also sounded the alarm over these drills. Israel’s public broadcaster, Kan 11, aired reports claiming that “the exercises are being conducted in areas close to the Israeli border.”
