Source: Israel concerned by Egyptian military buildup in Sinai

Source: Israel concerned by Egyptian military buildup in Sinai
Egyptian army tanks deployed in the northern Sinai Peninsula, along the Gaza border, July 4, 2024. Photo: AFP.

Israel has expressed concern over Egypt’s growing military presence in the Sinai Peninsula, warning that it could breach the 1979 peace treaty, The Jerusalem Post reported Monday. An Israeli security source claimed Egypt has exceeded its permitted troop limits, expanded port facilities, and extended airport runways in the region.

Israeli officials insist that the peace agreement must be upheld, arguing that while troop movements are reversible, persistent violations cannot be ignored. The issue is now the subject of discussions between Israel, Cairo, and Washington, with Israel emphasizing that the U.S. is responsible for ensuring the treaty’s implementation.

Israel has been restrained in its public response, but in February, its U.S. ambassador, Yechiel Leiter, described Egypt’s buildup as “intolerable” and vowed to escalate the matter diplomatically. While Egypt has not publicly addressed the accusations, the situation underscores rising regional tensions over security and military balance.

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