Israel Urges US to Address Alleged Egyptian Military Buildup in Sinai

Israel Raises Concerns Over Sinai Military Activities

Israel has reportedly asked the United States to intervene with Egypt over what it describes as a significant military buildup in the Sinai Peninsula. This request, made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a recent meeting in Jerusalem, alleges that Egypt's actions constitute substantial violations of the 1979 peace treaty between the two nations.

According to reports, Israeli officials have expressed serious concerns, stating that the Egyptian military's expansion of infrastructure in the Sinai could potentially be used for offensive purposes.

Allegations of Treaty Violations

The core of Israel's complaint centers on specific developments in the Sinai, which is subject to demilitarization clauses under the Camp David Accords. Israeli officials have pointed to several alleged breaches:

• The expansion of military infrastructure in areas where the treaty permits only light weaponry.
• Extended runways at air bases in Sinai, which could accommodate fighter jets.
• The construction of underground facilities that Israeli intelligence believes could be used for storing missiles, although no evidence of missiles being stored there has been presented.
• A massive deployment of soldiers beyond the quotas stipulated in the peace agreement.
• Expansion of docks in ports.

One Israeli official was quoted as saying, 'What the Egyptians are doing in Sinai is very serious and we are very concerned.' Israel also noted that the US-led multinational observer force in Sinai has reduced overflights, potentially limiting monitoring capabilities.

Egypt's Stance: Border Security and Treaty Compliance

In response to the Israeli allegations, Egypt has firmly denied any violation of the peace treaty. The Egyptian State Information Service (SIS) issued a statement asserting that its military deployment in the Sinai Peninsula is solely aimed at 'securing national borders against all risks, including terrorism and smuggling.'

Egypt maintains that its military presence is consistent with the 1979 peace treaty and is carried out with 'prior coordination with the parties to the peace treaty.' An Egyptian official reportedly stated that the Trump administration 'hasn't raised the issue with Egypt recently.'

Furthermore, Egyptian officials have indicated that the reinforcement of forces along the border with Gaza is a measure taken due to concerns that Israel might attempt to force Palestinians into Sinai, a move Egypt considers a threat to its national security. Egypt has also reiterated its condemnation of the 'expansion of (Israeli) military operations in Gaza and the displacement of Palestinians from their territories.'

Historical Context and US Role

The Camp David Accords, signed by then-Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and then-Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin in 1979, established a framework for peace and divided the Sinai into specific military zones with strict limitations on troop numbers and weaponry. The United States serves as a guarantor of this historic agreement.

Tensions between Israel and Egypt have reportedly escalated since Prime Minister Netanyahu's return to power in late 2022, with limited direct communication between him and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. While Israel seeks US intervention, some Egyptian sources suggest that Israel itself has violated the peace accords, citing the occupation of the Philadelphi Corridor.