Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly asked Trump administration to pressure Egypt to reduce its recent military buildup in Sinai Peninsula, according to U.S. and Israeli officials cited by Axios.
The request comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and Egypt as the war in Gaza continues.
Israeli Concerns Over Egypt’s Military Infrastructure
During a meeting in Jerusalem with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Netanyahu presented a list of Egyptian activities in Sinai that Israel considers violations of the 1979 Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty.
This agreement, which established a framework for demilitarization in Sinai, is overseen by the United States as a guarantor.
Israeli officials claim the Egyptian army is constructing military infrastructure in areas restricted to light weaponry, which could potentially be used for offensive operations.
Israeli Failure
One Israeli official stated that direct discussions with Egypt had failed to produce results, prompting Israel to seek U.S. intervention.
Another official said, “What the Egyptians are doing in Sinai is extremely dangerous, and we are very concerned.”
Monitoring Limitations Heighten Tensions
Tensions are reportedly exacerbated by a sharp decline in aerial surveillance flights conducted by the multinational monitoring team led by the United States in Sinai.
Reduced monitoring capability has limited Israel’s ability to track developments on the ground.
Trump Administration Reaction on Sinai Issue
A senior Egyptian official dismissed Israel’s claims, noting that Trump administration has not raised the Sinai issue with Egypt recently.
The official emphasized that the situation described by Israeli sources does not reflect Egyptian intentions or actions.
Historical Context and Diplomatic Strains
Relations between Israel and Egypt have seen increasing tension since Netanyahu’s government took office in late 2022.
Notably, Netanyahu and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi have not held any public meetings for nearly three years, and there is no public record of a phone call between the two leaders since June 2023.
The dispute over Egypt’s military presence in Sinai highlights ongoing security concerns in the region and the delicate balance maintained by the 1979 peace treaty, which continues to be monitored closely by the United States.
