Egypt's troop deployment in Sinai breaches peace treaty - senior official

The massive buildup of soldiers, extension of runways in airports, and expansion of docks stands in gross violation of the peace between Israel and Egypt, which has lasted 46 years

Guy Azriel
Guy Azriel ■ Diplomatic Correspondent, i24NEWS Hebrew Channel ■ 
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Egyptian Army soldiers patrol in an armored vehicle backed by a helicopter gunship during a sweep through villages in Sheikh Zuweyid, north Sinai, Egypt
Egyptian Army soldiers patrol in an armored vehicle backed by a helicopter gunship during a sweep through villages in Sheikh Zuweyid, north Sinai, EgyptAP Photo, File

Cairo is in violation of the 1979 peace agreement with Israel over its massive deployment of soldiers and expansion of airports and ports, a senior security official told i24NEWS on Monday.

"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. While Israel seeks to maintain the peace treaty and will not alter its deployment along the border, it "will not tolerate the situation."

The official noted that military activity in Sinai is restricted under the peace treaty, and Egypt’s violations are highly problematic.

"We will not accept these breaches," he said. "We are in discussions with Cairo and the Americans. The US 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."

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