Speech to Navy and Air Defense Academies July 24
I said Egyptian national security is at risk amid internal political differences, to which some were surprised.

Don’t you think I deceived the former president [Mohamed Morsy], for the Egyptian army is neutral in regards to all factions, and is under the leadership of legitimacy, not any other leadership.

I told him six months ago that his project is not working and that he should go back on it is too late.

When I find military uniforms and weapons smuggled in from foreign countries, and rumors that the army is divided, I say I swear to God the great Egyptian army is united.

You want to rule or else destroy the country. You want the army to be with you or else destroy it. I call on the Al-Azhar, the Church and all institutions to assume responsibility before it is too late. There are some who want to take the country to a critical curve.

We said we are willing to hold elections that are supervised by the whole world, including the United Nations.

I ask all honorable and faithful Egyptians to take to the streets on Friday, to mandate me to confront terrorism and violence. I did not ask of you anything before.

I want you Egyptians to delegate the army and the police to confront violence in a suitable way. Please bear the responsibility with the army and the police. Show your steadfastness. This does not mean that I want violence or terrorism.

If violence or terrorism are resorted to, the military and the police are authorized to confront that violence and terrorism.