Egypt to Relinquish Two Islands to Saudi Arabia

JERUSALEM, Israel – Israel isn't overly concerned by Egypt's decision to relinquish control of two islands in the Gulf of Eilat to the Saudis.

While some speculation inferred the deal might require changes to the 1979 peace accord between Israel and Egypt, a review by Israel's Defense and Foreign ministries has not raised concern.

Part of the reason is that the islands already belong to the Saudis, who are, in turn, committed to the peace accord.

Israeli and Egyptian officials have already met to review the maritime borders between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, the Egyptian daily al-Ahram reported on Monday.

Egypt's parliament still has to approve the deal before it becomes official policy.