Sisi emphasized that Egypt's military expansion is not directed against Israel but is intended to safeguard national security and preserve peace in an unstable region.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi revealed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously expressed concern over Egypt's military buildup, directly questioning why Cairo continued to expand its armed forces and purchase weapons.
Speaking at a Thursday graduation ceremony at the Egyptian Police Academy in New Cairo, Sisi emphasized that Egypt's military expansion is not directed against Israel but is intended to safeguard national security and preserve peace in an unstable region.
"Netanyahu is responsible for his country, and he knows very well that Egypt will never pose a threat," Sisi said.
"On one occasion, he asked me, 'Why are you arming yourself?' He asked me that question. He said, 'Why are you buying weapons?'"
Sisi says Egypt's military strength poses no threat to Israel
According to Sisi, he responded by urging Netanyahu to view Egypt's military capabilities in the same way Cairo views Israel's military strength.
"I told him, 'I have never viewed Israel's strength as a threat to me, and I believe you should also approach us with the understanding that Egypt's strength does not pose a threat to you.'"
Sisi explained that Cairo considers a strong military essential to maintaining stability and protecting the country's security interests.
"We live in a turbulent region, and we need to be strong to preserve the peace we enjoy, not only with Israel but with the entire region," he said.
According to the Egyptian president, Cairo's security doctrine is based on developing strong military and police forces capable of deterring threats and safeguarding the achievements of peace.
Sisi says Netanyahu rejected Palestinian statehood as path to regional stability
Sisi also linked his remarks to Egypt's diplomatic relations with Israel and the Palestinian issue, saying he had repeatedly told Netanyahu since 2013 that establishing a Palestinian state would contribute to regional stability and Israel's integration into the Middle East.
"I told him that the opportunity to establish a Palestinian state would bring real stability to all of us," Sisi said.
"There would be genuine integration of Israel into the region. He was not convinced. He was not convinced."
The remarks come amid growing Israeli concerns over Egypt's military buildup and the deployment of forces in the Sinai Peninsula, alongside public tensions between Cairo and senior Israeli officials.
Sisi reiterated that Egypt remains committed to its peace agreement with Israel and has no "hidden ambitions" regarding Israeli territory.