Yoram Cohen and Matthew Levitt at WINEP, here
"...Egypt is averse to recognizing the severity of the issue..... Egypt's approach to countering Hamas's extensive network of smuggling tunnels has been tentative, generally limited to exposing tunnel openings and seizing weapons arsenals....... Israeli officials note that the effort is, at best, "slow." ....... It is imperative that Egypt recognize that arms smuggling is not just an Israeli issue but an Egyptian national security priority........More effective bilateral cooperation between Israel and Egypt, with U.S. oversight and active involvement, should be initiated.....Stemming the flow of arms into Gaza will enhance regional stability. Much of this weaponry is provided by Iran, and specifically by the IRGC, increasing Iran's regional influence while threatening the position of Fatah in Palestinian politics. Dealing effectively with these tunnel systems could curtail Iranian influence...."
1 comment:
Again, WINEP confuses its wishes for policy. Egypt, despite its treaty with Israel, does not consider it a friend, even if some in the Egyptian nomenklature would like the West to think so. Egypt has turned a blind eye to Hamas network of tunnels and smuggling, precisely because it is in its own interest to do so and not for lack of purpose or seriousness. From ancient times until today, Egypt's national security is not confined to the borders of the trapeze but goes North to the Taurus, East to the Zagros Mountains, South to the sources of the Nile deep in Africa, and West to Agadir. Israel should realize that its policies are not acceptable even for the apparently 'pliable' Egyptians. Hamas is a national liberation movement with Islamist coloring, but is first a liberation movement. Egypt's security apparatus, the real power in Egypt, understands that. Israel and its allies in the West should too if they ever think of peace and stability in the region. Hamas' reason for existing is Israel. If the West wants Hamas to go away, then it knows what it should do......
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