"Israel's central goal is preserving Egypt, Jordan peace treaties," FADC chair says; Ayalon blames Iran for Cairo unrest.
By JPOST.COM STAFFShaul Mofaz at Tel Hashomer IDF induction base 150(photo credit: Courtesy of FADC Spokesman)Chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Shaul Mofaz said Sunday that the IDF must prepare for a scenario in which the peace treaty between Israel and Egypt is canceled."Israel's central goal is to preserve the peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan," Mofaz said during a tour at the Tel Hashomer IDF induction base near Tel Aviv. That said, he added, "The IDF needs to be prepared for any changes in the situation and to be prepared for the day after elections in Egypt."RELATED:Protests against military rule cloud Egypt election Analysis: Egypt - A house divided "Today the street is setting the agenda and the Egyptian Supreme Council of the Armed Forces is having trouble maintaining control," Mofaz added. "At the same time, radical actors in Egypt are being strengthened."Meanwhile, Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon alleged that Iran was involved in the violent protests taking place in Egypt and said it is encouraging extremism there.In an interview with Israel Radio Sunday, the deputy foreign minister said, "while the pictures from Cairo may seem unattractive, there is no need to take them too seriously."He added that he believed the peace accord with Egypt would remain in tact and the Israeli embassy in Cairo would continue to function.
