Yehoshua Meir Lichter reported that Egypt plans a military intervention in Yemen against the Houthis, aimed at protecting the Suez Canal’s economic interests. International law expert Mohamed Mahmoud Mehran affirmed Egypt’s right to defend its national security, stressing adherence to legal standards in military responses. He also acknowledged Israel’s role in escalating regional tensions, calling for international cooperation to maintain stability.
Recent reports from Yemeni media indicate that an Israeli researcher, Yehoshua Meir Lichter, has suggested that Egypt is on the verge of launching an offensive against the Houthi forces, supported by Israeli intelligence. This move appears to be motivated by the need to safeguard Egypt’s economic interests, particularly concerning declining revenues from the Suez Canal. Lichter described the impending Egyptian military actions as a necessary step to counter the substantial threats posed by the Houthis, who have reportedly inflicted considerable losses on the Egyptian economy.
In light of this situation, Mohamed Mahmoud Mehran, an expert in international law, articulated that Egypt is entitled to take all requisite measures to ensure its national security. He emphasized that threats to maritime navigation, especially in the strategically significant region of the Suez Canal, pose direct risks to Egypt’s sovereignty. Further, he pointed out that international law, including Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, enshrines the right of nations to defend themselves against threats. He also referred to the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention, which empowers states to safeguard their maritime routes, stressing that any military response must remain proportionate to the identified threat and adhere to the tenets of international legal standards.
Mehran cautioned against viewing Israel’s ongoing actions in the region as benign, attributing them as significant factors contributing to heightened tensions. He urged the international community to take measures that would uphold international law and promote regional stability, thereby averting further escalation of conflict.
The context of the reported potential Egyptian military action can be understood against the backdrop of increased tensions in the Middle East, particularly involving Houthi forces in Yemen. The Houthis have been accused of disrupting maritime trade routes, notably affecting Suez Canal operations, which are essential for Egypt’s economy. Israel’s reported involvement raises additional concerns, highlighting the intricate geopolitical dynamics at play in the region. Moreover, the application of international law concerning national defense rights plays a crucial role in shaping Egypt’s response to external threats, particularly those jeopardizing its maritime security.
In summary, the reported plans for Egyptian military intervention in Yemen, allegedly sanctioned by Israel, highlight a complex intersection of national security, economic imperatives, and international legal principles. Experts assert that Egypt has not only the right but also the obligation to act in defense of its national interests, particularly concerning maritime security. The involvement of external actors, such as Israel, underscores the delicate balance of power and the necessity for collaborative efforts within the international community to maintain regional stability and uphold legal norms.
Original Source: en.irna.ir
