Egypt Warns Israeli Escalation Threatens Regional Security

CAIRO — 24 February 2026: Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty warned that continued Israeli military escalation risks undermining security across the Middle East, stressing that restoring stability requires an immediate halt to hostilities and full respect for Lebanese sovereignty.

His remarks came during a meeting in Cairo with Jean-Yves Le Drian, held on the sidelines of a preparatory session for the upcoming international conference aimed at supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces.

Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s firm backing of Lebanon’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, emphasizing the importance of empowering state institutions—particularly the Lebanese Army—to carry out their national responsibilities and safeguard stability.

He welcomed France’s efforts to convene a support conference in Paris on March 5 for Lebanon’s military and security institutions, as well as discussions around a broader economic recovery and reconstruction initiative. Egypt expressed readiness to contribute to the success of these efforts.

The Egyptian minister also underscored the necessity of fully implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701 without selectivity, warning that ongoing Israeli escalation could further destabilize Lebanon and the wider region.

Both sides agreed to continue political coordination within the Quintet mechanism—comprising Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, France, and the United States—to support Lebanon’s path toward renewed institutional stability.