Statements by Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi, head of Egypt's ruling military council, reflect the reality of Egypt's ability to confront any threat or external attack, Israeli newspaper Maariv said today. The newspaper said Tantawi's statements prove that Egypt has regained its regional role and developed its political and military strength. The newspaper said Egypt wanted to send a threatening message to everyone through their naval exercise off the coast of Alexandria earlier this week, ensuring that the Egyptian Armed Forces are truly able to confront any external threat. Although Egypt's political situation is unstable, Egypt is capable of facing any threat or attack, according to Maariv. It was also mentioned that the Egyptian administration was able to recall its political and military authority in the region recently. Egypt was able to end the separation among the Palestinian factions and to accomplish the exchange of Palestinian prisoners and Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit between Israel and the Hamas movement. Egypt was also able to interfere and help broker a cease-fire and declare a truce between Israel and the Palestinian factions earlier this week.
