DM Mofaz Warns: Egypt Is Arming

Aaron Lerner Date: 17 October 2003

Ma'ariv reports today:

Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz warned Maariv yesterday of the arming of Egypt
in the past months, mainly with American made weapons.

"We look with concern at the strengthening of Egypt and we ask: what is it
for? After all, we have peace with Egypt and I see no country threatening
them. A new reality may develop that in a few years there will be a
different leadership in Egypt and that could change how they relate to
Israel."

Maariv notes that Israeli intelligence has collected information about the
growing size of the Egyptian armed forces and the many weapons that they
have recently purchased.

Army Radio reports that Israel has asked America not to sell guided bombs to
Egypt.

Maariv also reports that Egyptian President Mubarak said yesterday, with
regards to complaints that Egypt wasn't doing enough to stop the weapons
smuggling in tunnels from Egypt: "why doesn't Israel take care of this
matter instead of placing responsibility on Egypt?"

Dr. Aaron Lerner, Director IMRA (Independent Media Review & Analysis)
(mail POB 982 Kfar Sava)
Tel 972-9-7604719/Fax 972-3-7255730
INTERNET ADDRESS: imra@netvision.net.il
pager 03-6106666 subscriber 4811
Website: http://www.imra.org.il