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There isn't a single person in Israel who wants to destroy or harm Egypt. In contrast, there's a whole country that openly wants to destroy Israel, and that's Iran. That is the difference between ours and Egypt's security problems. Egypt is not threatened by anyone. Israel is threatened by the second circle. Israel has never been and will never be a danger to Egypt. [...] Israel is not threatening Iran, Iran is threatening Israel. The situation is not similar.

Shimon Peres#3

WarSecurityPoliticsInternational relations

About this quote

What does it mean?
Peres contrasts Israel's relationship with Egypt to its threat from Iran, framing the latter as the real danger.
In plain terms
Israel does not threaten Egypt, but Iran threatens Israel.
What can you take from it?
Security threats depend on the specific opponent.

Where it applies

  • foreign policy
  • diplomatic talks
  • conflict analysis

Putting it to work

  • clarify positions
  • assess risks
  • differentiate allies

Questions to consider

  • Who poses real security threats?
  • How do nations define enemies?

Another view

It frames Iran as the sole aggressor without nuance.

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