Egypt orders 11 Israeli pilots to leave territory

Egypt has ordered 11 Israeli pilots who landed without visa to leave its territory, for national security consideration.

The pilots, who arrived in light aircraft, had received a landing permit but were denied entry and told to go back to Israel “for national security reasons,” as they did not have valid entry visas, according to Israeli media.

“The pilots, however, could not take off to Israel, as their fuel tanks were empty and the weather conditions did not allow for safe flight,” the media said without specifying the number of aircrafts.

Israeli authorities according to the media are coordinating with their Egyptian counterparts to ensure a safe exit of the Israeli pilots.

“They went to Egypt without a visa, it is their fault and therefore they cannot enter the country” Israeli foreign ministry slammed the pilots.

Egypt and Israel have diplomatic ties since 1979 after they signed a peace treaty but the population is at distance with the Jewish state over Palestine.