Netanyahu: Israel Aims to Ensure that Ties with Egypt ‘Continue to Exist’

Israel is carefully watching developments in Egypt and its efforts are focused on maintaining the "stability and security" of the region, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday.

"We are attentively following what is going on in Egypt and in our region," Netanyahu told reporters at the start of the weekly cabinet meeting after holding late-night talks with top intelligence brass and key ministers.

"Our efforts are focused on preserving the stability and security in our region," he said.

Peace between Israel and Egypt had existed for more than three decades and the aim was "to ensure that these relations continue to exist," Netanyahu said, while insisting Israel would act "responsibly, with restraint and maximum discretion."

As well as consulting with his ministers, Netanyahu said he had also spoken with U.S. President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton about the developments in Egypt, where a wave of massive protests are engulfing the country.