Egypt violates peace treaty by increasing military presence in Sinai

In the recent months leading up to April 2025, Egypt has significantly increased its military presence in the Sinai Desert, which borders Israel. This escalation has raised serious concerns about compliance with the 1979 peace treaty that limits the number of Egyptian troops stationed in the region. Reports indicate that Egypt’s military has gone beyond the set quota, with unauthorized troop deployments, expanded port facilities, and extended runways at various airports being observed. Such actions are considered a direct violation of the peace agreement. The implications of this military buildup are profound. A security source, speaking to the Jerusalem Post, noted that if Egypt were to reduce its troop presence, it could bring itself back into compliance with the treaty. However, Israeli officials have expressed that the current situation is unacceptable and they will not tolerate breaches of the agreement. Ongoing negotiations are taking place involving Israel, the United States, and Egypt, reflecting the seriousness of the situation. Despite the potential for diplomatic discussions, there is a notable absence of public commentary from Israel regarding Egypt’s military activities in the Sinai. The Israeli ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, has addressed this issue in a letter to the Trump administration, emphasizing that the expanded Egyptian military presence in the region is intolerable. The ambassador outlined that this issue, which had previously been sidelined, is set to be addressed more vigorously moving forward. The ongoing situation in Sinai is closely monitored not only by Israel but also by the United States, which plays a critical role in ensuring that the peace agreement remains intact. With both parties involved in diplomatic talks, the outcome of these discussions will determine the future military limitations imposed on Egypt in the Sinai and could impact broader regional security dynamics.