Israel’s defense minister says there is a “high probability” that the Russian airliner that recently crashed in Egypt was brought down by a bomb.

Moshe Yaalon told reporters Monday that he “would be surprised” if a planted explosive device did not cause the crash.

“There is a high probability that this was a terror attack by an explosive device,” he said.

Yaalon noted that Israel is not involved in the investigation. He said his opinion was based on “what we hear and understand.”

Israel borders Egypt’s Sinai desert, the site of the crash. It maintains tight security ties with Egypt and keeps a close eye on Islamic militant groups operating in the desert peninsula.

(AP0