Israel talking to Egypt over Sinai troop movements

JERUSALEM – An Israeli official says defense officials are in talks with Egyptian counterparts in hopes of resolving a disagreement over a recent Egyptian troop deployment in Sinai that has strained the peace accord between the two nations.

Israel says Egypt has illegally moved tanks into the Sinai desert near the Israeli border as part of a crackdown on Islamic militants. Under the 1979 peace deal, Sinai is largely demilitarized and such troop movements must be coordinated.

Defense Ministry official Amos Gilad told Israel Radio on Wednesday that talks are ongoing and "the subjects that require clarification are being clarified."

He did not mention the tanks. But another official says Israel has requested they be withdrawn. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was discussing closed diplomatic contacts.