BICOM

Following yesterday’s bloody violence in Egypt, Israel’s media this morning reflects concern over the stability of the country’s southern neighbour.

Hundreds were killed yesterday after Egypt’s military used live fire in clashes with supporters of the ousted premier Mohammed Morsi, who have been protesting Morsi’s removal from power at two sites in Cairo. The extent of the violence prompted Egypt’s interim-Vice President Mohammed El-Baradei, the civilian face of the country’s military rule, to tender his resignation. Meanwhile, a state of emergency was declared for the first time since the fall of Hosni Mubarak.

The situation in Egypt dominates this morning’s Israeli media with some publications devoting several pages to yesterday’s events. The headline in Maariv even suggests “Egypt on Verge of Civil War.” There is plenty of commentary on the situation, with Nadav Eyal in Maariv suggesting that although Egypt’s military rulers appeared to strengthen their grip on power, the violence could galvanise support for the Muslim Brotherhood. Meanwhile, Alex Fishman in Yediot Ahronot paints an alarming picture, saying that “horrific footage out of Cairo reflects not only Egypt’s worst dreams coming true, but Israel’s as well.” He predicts that if the United States cuts its significant support and aid from the Egyptian military, “the peace treaty between Israel and Egypt will be in real danger,” as American aid is the only factor which keeps hostility towards Israel on the Egyptian street in check.

Unrest in Egypt could also increase the already tense situation on Israel’s border with Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, which has seen an upsurge in armed Islamist activity since the fall of Morsi. Earlier this week, Israel’s Iron Dome missile defence system intercepted a rocket from Sinai fired at Israel’s southern resort city of Eilat. Another rocket was fired at Eilat last month, landing harmlessly, while two Grad rockets from Sinai were launched at southern Israel in April.