Israeli delegation visits Cairo to discuss border security

A high-level Israeli delegation visited Egypt on the evening of September 22 to hold discussions on security issues along the shared border, Al-Araby Al-Jadeed reported, citing Egyptian sources.

Israel has expressed concern over the increasing military presence in the Sinai Peninsula, noting that such troop concentrations contravene the terms of the peace treaty with Egypt.

Meanwhile, the Egyptian side has raised counterclaims regarding Israel’s activities in the Philadelphi Corridor. Cairo objects to the establishment of observation towers by the Israel Defence Forces in the area, intended to curb arms smuggling into the Gaza Strip. These towers, originally proposed by Israel as a compromise measure to reduce its overall border presence, are viewed by Egypt as “a threat to Egypt's national security.”

Despite these disagreements, the meeting in Cairo could indicate a move toward de-escalation. It took place just hours after Egypt softened its anti-Israeli rhetoric: the term “genocidal war” was removed from official statements, and reaffirmations of Cairo’s commitment to existing peace agreements were issued.

By Tamilla Hasanova