Israeli military officials were more than a bit concerned as Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi ordered the deployment of tanks in Sinai, a violation of the treaty signed between the two countries over three decades ago which calls for the area remaining demilitarized. Some felt the treaty was “trampled upon” by the new Egyptian leader, who is being carefully monitored by Israel’s intelligence community, especially because of his ties with the Islamic Brotherhood for past decades. Morsi’s symbolic resignation from the radical Islamic organization did not abate Israeli concerns.
Israel did not remain silent in response to the deployment of tanks in Sinai, with Jerusalem voicing its objections before the international community, including the USA. Morsi responded with a message of calm, seeking to reassure Israel that the temporary move was part of his crackdown on terrorists seeking to base themselves in Sinai.
The PA (Palestinian Authority) Maan news agency quotes “a senior Egyptian military official” on Monday 16 Elul 5772 who states 20 tanks have been moved out of Sinai in an apparent move to lower tensions between Jerusalem and Cairo. Some analysts feel that in addition to his war against Sinai-based terror, Morsi used this incident as a trial balloon to measure the Israeli response to troop movements along the border with Israel.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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