Speaking at a Police Academy graduation ceremony in New Cairo on October 15, 2026, Sisi said Egypt’s military expansion was intended to protect national security and maintain regional stability rather than threaten Israel.
“Netanyahu is responsible for his country, and he knows very well that Egypt will never pose a threat,” Sisi said.
“On one occasion, he asked me, ‘Why are you arming yourself?’ He asked me that question. He said, ‘Why are you buying weapons?'”
According to The Jerusalem Post, Sisi disclosed the exchange while addressing concerns about Cairo’s military capabilities and its relationship with Israel.
Sisi defends Egypt’s military expansion
Responding to Netanyahu’s concerns, Sisi said Egypt viewed military strength as essential to protecting its borders and preserving peace in an increasingly unstable region.
“I told him, ‘I have never viewed Israel’s strength as a threat to me, and I believe you should also approach us with the understanding that Egypt’s strength does not pose a threat to you.'”
The Egyptian president maintained that Cairo’s defence investments were not directed against neighbouring countries.
“We live in a turbulent region, and we need to be strong to preserve the peace we enjoy, not only with Israel but with the entire region,” he said.
His remarks come amid Israeli concerns over Egypt’s military activities in the Sinai Peninsula, where troop deployments are governed by security arrangements established under the 1979 peace treaty.
In September 2025, Axios reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had asked the United States to pressure Egypt over its military buildup in the Sinai Peninsula, citing concerns about possible violations of the 1979 peace agreement.
However, Egypt, which ranks as Africa’s most powerful military according to the 2026 Global Firepower rankings, maintains that its military deployments aim to address regional security threats and protect national stability.
Egypt links regional stability to Palestinian statehood
Beyond military concerns, Sisi also disclosed longstanding disagreements with Netanyahu over the establishment of a Palestinian state.
He said he had repeatedly urged the Israeli leader to support Palestinian statehood, arguing that the move would strengthen regional peace and allow Israel to build closer relations with neighbouring countries.
“I told him that the opportunity to establish a Palestinian state would bring real stability to all of us,” Sisi said.
“There would be genuine integration of Israel into the region. He was not convinced. He was not convinced.”
Despite their differences, Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to its peace agreement with Israel and rejected suggestions that Cairo had territorial ambitions against its neighbour.