Israel raises concerns over Egypt’s Sinai military buildup, citing peace deal breach
Egyptian tanks are deployed near the Rafah crossing with Gaza, on 31 October 2023 (AFP Photo)
Israel has raised concerns over Egypt’s alleged military buildup in the Sinai Peninsula, claiming it violates the 1979 peace agreement signed between the two countries.
An Israeli security source told Israeli media outlet Jerusalem Post that the Egyptian military has deployed forces beyond the permitted quota, expanded port facilities, and extended runways at airports.
“Egypt has deployed forces beyond the permitted quota, expanded port facilities, and extended runways at airports,” the source said, describing the developments as a breach of the treaty’s military annex.
A senior security official told Israeli media outlet i24NEWS that, “Egypt has deployed military forces beyond the permitted quota, expanded docks in ports, and extended runways at airports—all in violation of the agreement,” the official said.
US responsibility highlighted in maintaining agreement
Israeli officials are urging the United States, a co-signatory of the agreement, to step in and ensure compliance.
“Washington is responsible for upholding the peace agreement and must ensure it is implemented as written,” the Israeli security source stated.
“We will not accept these breaches,” the Israeli source said, adding, “We are in discussions with Cairo and the Americans. The U.S. administration is responsible for upholding the peace treaty, and it is imperative to rectify these violations and ensure the agreement is fully adhered to. I have raised these violations with the Americans—we will not tolerate this.”
The issue has been raised in ongoing discussions between Israel, Egypt, and the United States. The Israeli side views the U.S. as having a key role in resolving the situation diplomatically.
Israeli officials: ‘We will not tolerate violations from Cairo’
While Israel is not planning any changes to its own military posture along the Egyptian border, officials are warning that continued violations will not go unanswered.
“Israel will not accept the situation and will not tolerate violations from Cairo,” the source said. Another senior official added, “We will not accept these breaches.”
The official noted that while the entry of Egyptian forces into restricted zones is reversible—”It’s not a problem to pull tanks back”—the construction of permanent infrastructure is more problematic.
Infrastructure expansion described as ‘major violation’
Israel has approached both Egypt and the United States with a request to dismantle infrastructure built in the Sinai in violation of the peace agreement.
These include:
- Military forces deployed beyond agreed limits
- Expansion of ports and docks
- Extension of airport runways
A senior official characterized these developments as a “major violation” of the security annex and said the matter is a priority for Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz.
