Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak is preparing for what appears to be an inevitable Israeli military offensive in Gaza, realizing he has a great deal to lose.

By most estimates, if Israel launches a major military operation, Islamic militants in Cairo and other areas of Egypt will launch widespread protests and the atmosphere in Egypt will not be sympathetic to Mubarak’s regime, which is perceived as too western and too friendly with Israel among the growing Islamic fundamentalist population.

Egyptian officials have stepped up security along the Rafiach Crossing, determined to prevent Gazan residents from breaking through the crossing into Sinai as occurred in the past.

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert beginning on Sunday will be meeting with senior security establishment officials to discuss the current situation in Gaza and possible IDF operations to bring a halt to rocket attacks.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)