We said this is not the proper time, during a war on terrorism. It would give jihadists the wrong message,“ the official told Reuters on condition of anonymity.

„That was the main outcome: No talks about any reduction now.“

Cairo sees the MFO as part of a relationship with Israel that, while unpopular with many Egyptians, brings them $1.3 billion in annual U.S. defense aid, sweetening the foreign-enforced demilitarization of their sovereign Sinai territory.