Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the Sinai Peninsula would no longer remain in Israel’s hands in the event of a possible conflict with Egypt.
Speaking in a video interview from his home, Smotrich said, "What will ensure that Egypt does not attack us? They must understand that if they attack, at least Sinai will no longer be theirs." Smotrich also argued that such a scenario would not happen again.
Egyptian authorities did not immediately respond to the remarks.
Remarks came ahead of the commemoration of the 1973 War
Smotrich made the remarks on the eve of Egypt’s commemoration of the 1973 War. The war, which followed Israel’s occupation, paved the way for the return of the Sinai Peninsula to Egypt.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi said in a statement issued the same day that his country’s armed forces were ready to defend Egypt, its resources and its national security "at all times and under all circumstances."
Peace treaty signed in 1979
Egypt and Israel signed a peace treaty in Washington in March 1979, following the 1978 Camp David Accords. The agreement ended the state of war between the two countries and provided for Israel’s withdrawal from the Sinai Peninsula.
The peace treaty continues to form the basis of official relations between Egypt and Israel.