Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu. Photo: GPO.

Israel and Egypt have a common interest in keeping the border between them safe, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday during a tour of the site of Sunday’s deadly attack in which Sinai-based gunmen killed at least 15 Egyptian police officers, Israel Hayom reported.

“I wish to express sorrow over the killing of the Egyptian soldiers,” Netanyahu said. “I think it’s clear that Israel and Egypt have a common interest in maintaining a peaceful border between them. However, when it comes to the security of Israeli citizens, it seems time and again that Israel must and can only rely on itself. No one can fulfill this role except the IDF and the security agencies of the State of Israel and we will continue in this manner.”

Earlier Monday, Defense Minister Ehud Barak urged the Egyptian authorities to “wake up” and take decisive action to prevent terror activity in the lawless Sinai Peninsula.

The terrorists commandeered two Egyptian armored vehicles and charged toward the border crossing into Israel, but were thwarted by Israeli ground and air forces.