Israel’s military intelligence chief says Iran has deepened its influence over the Middle East and is actively intervening in Egypt ahead of planned September elections there.

Maj. Gen. Aviv Kochavi told Israeli lawmakers that Iran is specifically trying to prop up Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood. He added that Iran was also taking advantage of the upheaval in the region to gain influence in other countries, such as Bahrain, Sudan, Yemen and Iraq.

Kochavi made the comments July 5 in a closed parliamentary hearing. He was quoted by a meeting participant who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Kochavi said that Iran was also involved in planning two attempted infiltrations of Israel from Lebanon and Syria in recent months. — ap