Amid numerous reports and evidence of Egyptian military forces amassing in Sinai beyond the scope allowed by the current peace agreement terms, Israel approached Egypt directly seeking clarifications.
According to journalist Shirit Avitan Cohen of Israel Hayom, senior Egyptian officials expressed concern over the publications, claiming that videos circulating on social media depicting Egyptian military drills are partially edited and fake.
Egypt’s Response: U.S. to Mediate and Ease Tensions
According to Egyptian claims, “Foreign actors with vested interests are attempting to harm relations between the two countries.” In response to Israel’s messages, Egypt proposed the opening of an accelerated dialogue channel in an effort to bridge the differences.
If the talks fail, Egypt suggested the involvement of the United States as a mediator between the parties.
“The Issue is Now the Center of the Diplomatic Agenda”
Head of Rega News’s news desk Elad Huminir covers the topic of security, and is closely monitoring these developments and reporting them regularly on his X account.
He posted a video of alleged Egyptian forces training, writing in Hebrew: “October 7th style Egyptian army training. Now continue to bury your big heads deep in the sand.”
"בסגנון ה-7 באוקטובר. אימוני הצבא המצרי". עכשיו תמשיכו לטמון את הראש הגדול שלכם עמוק בחול. pic.twitter.com/5qNbQtrZlT
— אלעד הוּמינר العاد هومينر (@EladHumi) February 23, 2025
Additionally, it was reported that Israel’s ambassador to the United States Dr. Yechiel Leiter raised the issue during a briefing with Jewish organization leaders in the U.S. this week , describing the situation as “intolerable.” Leiter said: “Egypt is in severe violation of the peace agreement. There are bases with clear offensive capabilities, and this matter will soon be addressed very seriously.”
“Unauthorized Forces Were Deployed – and Remained”
Security sources state that violations of this kind are not new and have been ongoing for years. Frequently, Egypt has deployed military forces into Sinai without prior approval, only requesting retroactive approval afterward — which was always granted.
Military affairs expert Dr. Yagil Henkin described the situation as a “creeping annexation”, stating: “Initially, they sent in forces, later requesting retroactive approval. Yet even after the operational need passed, the forces were not withdrawn.”
Significant Military Presence, Tanks and Infrastructure in Sinai
According to reports, tens of thousands of Egyptian soldiers are currently deployed in Sinai, alongside dozens of tanks and advanced weapons systems — far exceeding what the peace agreement permits. “What started with two battalions expanded dramatically. Today, Egyptian forces are deployed not only near Rafah but also in areas where ISIS operated — despite the fact that the threat has already passed,” Henkin explained.
Additionally, Egypt has constructed extensive infrastructure such as bridges, roads, and large tunnels, enabling the transfer of significant military forces within hours from the western side of the Suez Canal into Sinai. Israel is closely monitoring these developments, with a growing reality of this issue becoming a strong focal point of diplomatic tension between the two countries.
