Netanyahu asks U.S. to urge Egypt to reduce military buildup in Sinai

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested the United States to urge Egypt to reduce its military buildup in the Sinai Peninsula. This request was made during a meeting in Jerusalem on Monday with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Netanyahu presented Rubio with a list of activities in Sinai that he claims violate the 1979 peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, which the U.S. guarantees. Two Israeli officials stated that Egypt has been establishing military infrastructure in areas where only light weapons are permitted under the treaty. They alleged that Egypt has extended runways at air bases in Sinai for potential use by fighter jets and constructed underground facilities that Israeli intelligence believes could be used for missile storage. However, the officials noted that there is no evidence to confirm that missiles are currently stored in these facilities.

According to the Israeli officials, Egypt has not provided a satisfactory explanation regarding the purpose of this military infrastructure when questioned through diplomatic and military channels. The situation has escalated as Egypt has expressed concerns that Israel may attempt to relocate some or all of the two million Palestinians in Gaza into Sinai amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In response, Egypt has increased its military presence along the Gaza border and has stated that an influx of Palestinian refugees would be considered a threat to its national security. The Egyptian government has also warned Israel against actions that could jeopardize the peace agreement.

For further context on similar situations, see earlier coverage on Israel"s diplomatic relations with Egypt.

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