Gantz scolds anti-LGBTQ party for calling Egyptians killed in 1967 'enemy soldiers'

Noam Party called it a “delusional idea” to honour "soldiers of the enemy who tried to destroy us," after a report suggested Israel will erect monument for Egyptians killed.

Outgoing Defence Minister Benny Gantz has lashed out at the anti-LGBTQ Noam Party for calling Egyptian soldiers who fell during the Six Day War in 1967 war “soldiers of the enemy.”

Noam called it a “delusional idea” to honour “soldiers of the enemy who tried to destroy us,” following a report by Kan public broadcaster suggesting that Israel is considering erecting a monument for Egyptian soldiers.

“The attempt by a political party, which is slated to join the coalition, to paint Egypt as an enemy, is both unfounded and a grave strategic error. I strongly condemn this statement and call on the incoming Prime Minister to make his voice heard,” Gantz said.

Egypt is a strategic partner of the State of Israel – the first neighbor to have signed a peace agreement. Our ties are critical to ensuring regional stability and to Israel's security, particularly in face of Gaza threats, and in face of terrorism in the Sinai region.

— בני גנץ – Benny Gantz (@gantzbe) December 1, 2022

Gantz said that Israel views Egypt as a “critical ally” and a “strategic partner – the first neighbour to have signed a peace agreement. Our ties are critical to ensuring regional stability and to Israel’s security, particularly in face of Gaza threats, and in face of terrorism in the Sinai region.”

Egypt signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1979, mediated by the U.S. Cairo has worked as a crucial mediator during Gaza wars in recent years, helping secure ceasefires between Israel, Hamas and Islamic Jihad.