Egyptian officials have criticised Israeli warnings about carrying out a “pre-emptive” strike against Wilayat Sinai (affiliated to ISIS), Quds Press reported on Friday.
“These remarks have no value,” the sources were quoted by Al-Watan newspaper. “The Egyptian army will not allow any Israeli violation on even a tiny piece of Egyptian land. It is able to face terror without external support.”
On Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Israeli army, Avichay Adraee, posted on Facebook, “If Wilayat Sinai attempted to target our citizens, we have to strictly carry out a pre-emptive attack against it.”
Adraee quoted the Commander of the Southern District in the Israeli army: “Terrorism, led by Ansar Baytul-Maqdis, known today as Wilayat Sinai, is escalating in Sinai. This organisation pledges to target Israeli citizens and Israeli army. It could fulfil its pledges any time.” The dramatic changes on the other side of the [Israeli] borders require getting prepared for any scenario or deterioration of the security situation, added the senior officer.