MK Binyamin Ben-Eliezer held a special place in the Israeli Egyptian relations during the tenure of Hosni Mubarak. Ben-Eliezer was always received warmly in Cairo, bestowed with honors and special treatment, and his ability to converse in Arabic undoubtedly assisted in developing this special relationship with the deposed Arab leader.

Ben-Eliezer, a member of Labor, is now warning that it is entirely possible that Israel and the new regime in Egypt will become enemies.

Speaking with reporters on Monday, 17 Cheshvan, Ben-Eliezer explained that things being what they are today, Israel may find herself in a conflict with Egypt and therefore, he suggests prepare for such a conflict.

Ben-Eliezer, a former defense minister, made his remarks during a briefing to the Knesset Foreign Affairs & Defense Committee given by Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman. To the surprise of the committee members, Ben-Eliezer asked to interrupt the foreign minister to present what he believes is an urgent matter, one that requires serious attention and action.

Committee members agreed that these worrisome words from Ben-Eliezer carry significant weight due to his special relationship with Mubarak and his vast experience and understanding regarding the situation in Egypt. Ben-Eliezer would frequently accompany senior Israeli leaders to meet with Mubarak, with the realization his presence significantly contributed to a successful mission.

“We are in the midst of a storm or an earthquake” he told committee members. “I don’t see this earthquake calming down. In the very near future there will be elections [in Egypt]. For the first time in history, the Islamic Brotherhood will grab at least a third of the seats in parliament. Instead of nationalism we will be getting Islamic-ism”.

Ben-Eliezer went on to warn that no one can predict what the government in Cairo will look like following elections. “We must realize that it is possible that we will find ourselves in a confrontation with Egypt. We already have a problem concerning Sinai, which has become a launching pad for terrorism. Unlike Gaza, here we do not have freedom to act as we wish [militarily speaking]. This too must be taken into account”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)