Israel Urges AIPAC to Pressure Egypt Over Hamas Weapon Smuggling

In a renewed push for international action, Israeli officials are urging AIPAC members to lobby Congress for intensified pressure on Egypt, which they claim has been complicit in facilitating Hamas's smuggling operations. According to Israeli intelligence, Egypt has played a significant role in the illicit transfer of weapons and funds to Hamas through the Rafah border and the Philadelphi Route, while key Egyptian military officials have allegedly profited from these activities.

"Egypt has allowed this for years, turning a blind eye to the flow of arms and money from Egypt to Gaza, all while key figures close to President Sisi benefited financially," stated one senior Israeli official. The call for action comes as Israel aims to shift U.S. focus from Qatar’s humanitarian efforts in Gaza, which were carried out in coordination with both Israel and the United States, to Egypt’s deeper involvement in Hamas’s military buildup.

The Israeli government believes that applying significant pressure on Egypt is crucial to achieving meaningful progress on the ongoing conflict, particularly concerning the Philadelphi Route—a hotbed for smuggling operations. Israeli sources argue that reaching an agreement with Egypt regarding control over the Philadelphi Route could potentially lead to more favorable conditions for a ceasefire with Hamas.

The Economic Factor

Reports indicate that high-ranking Egyptian military officers have accumulated wealth through their involvement in the arms smuggling trade, further complicating the situation. This economic interest has driven Egypt’s reluctance to take stronger action, according to Israeli officials.

"The time has come for the U.S. to recognize Egypt's responsibility in these matters, rather than solely focusing on Qatar’s humanitarian actions," said the official, emphasizing the need for a broader understanding of the complex dynamics at play.

Egypt’s Role and the Road Ahead

For years, Egypt has been seen as a gatekeeper to Gaza, with its border at Rafah serving as a critical point for both legal and illicit crossings. While Egypt has publicly condemned Hamas's actions, Israeli sources assert that behind the scenes, some Egyptian officials have been more focused on maintaining financial gains from the smuggling routes.

By holding Egypt accountable, Israeli officials believe it may be easier to reach a comprehensive solution that includes Hamas agreeing to more stringent terms in future negotiations. "If there’s an agreement with Egypt on the Philadelphi Route, Hamas will have no choice but to comply," an Israeli official concluded.

This call for action highlights the complex web of political, military, and economic interests that continue to fuel the conflict, as well as Israel's determination to secure its borders while pushing for a long-term resolution.

Conclusion

As tensions continue to rise, Israel is looking to leverage its influence within the U.S. to hold Egypt accountable for its role in Hamas's military operations. With AIPAC's support, Israeli officials hope that stronger U.S. pressure on Egypt will lead to a more favorable outcome in the ongoing efforts to combat Hamas's influence and smuggling operations in Gaza.