Egypt's military ruler said on Monday the armed forces would defend the borders with Israel if necessary, state media reported after an Israeli official voiced concerns about relations between the two neighbours.

Addressing troops in the Sinai Peninsula during annual field exercises, Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, was quoted by the MENA news agency:

Our borders, especially the northeast ones, are inflamed. We do not attack neighbouring countries but will defend our territory. We will break the legs of any trying to attack us or come near the borders."