Egypt says, its biggest security operations against militants in the Sinai peninsula is being coordinated with Israel.

A military spokesman in Cairo said the operation which includes the deployment of tanks and helicopters would continue until its goals of clearing of what he described as criminal elements from the area have been fully achieved.

A statement followed Israeli concern over the Egyptian military build up in Sinai which was made a demilitarized zone under the 1979 peace accord between the two countries.