BICOM

Aviv Kochavi, the head of IDF Military Intelligence, noted yesterday that the current Egyptian leadership, as well as the main candidates in the upcoming presidential elections in Egypt, understands the strategic importance of maintaining the peace treaty between Israel and Egypt. Kochavi made this statement in a report to the weekly Cabinet meeting on Sunday. However, Kochavi also noted that there since the fall of Mubarak, law enforcement in Egypt has declined significantly, increasing the possibility of arms smuggling through Sinai and of terrorist actions.

Kochavi also noted that the Iran-led regional camp had initially derived satisfaction from the Arab uprisings, since at their outset they appeared to be affecting only regimes aligned with the West or non-aligned countries. However, with the outbreak of revolt in Syria, a key Iranian ally, this assessment has been reversed. Nevertheless, according to Kochavi, Iran is seeking to take advantage of the current unrest, assisting those in the region who share its agenda with weapons, financial support and knowledge.