Egypt-Saudi islands deal struck after Israeli green light: Israeli media
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A picture taken on January 14, 2014 from the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh shows Tiran Island in the background, in the Straits of Tiran between Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula and Saudi Arabia. (By AFP)
Egypt had informed Zionist regime about its intention to give away two strategic Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia, and had received Israeli blessing.
According to Press TV, Egypt announced on Saturday that it ceded Tiran and Sanafir islands at the mouth of the Gulf of Aqaba to Saudi Arabia, claiming that they fell within the territorial waters of Saudi Arabia.
The daily Haaretz said Israel expressed its approval of the give-and-take during talks with the Egyptian side provided that freedom of navigation for Israeli ships through the area were guaranteed.
Israel also demanded that all other commitments undertaken by Egypt under the Camp David peace accord with Tel Aviv be honored, it added.
Egypt was the Arab first country to recognize Zionist Regime with a United States-sponsored 1979 peace accord.
Egypt is reportedly receiving USD 20 billion in aid from Saudi Arabia in return for the islands.
The Haaretz report also said that the agreement allows renegotiation and international arbitration in case Israel objects to Egypt’s decision to transfer the islands’ sovereignty to Saudi Arabia.
Egypt confirmed to Israel and the United States that the accord would be honored, the report added.
ME
