DM Barak: Israel regrets Egyptian deaths

         Defense Minister Ehud Barak issued a statement Saturday afternoon whereby "Israel regrets the death of Egyptian police officers during the terror attack at the border." The announcement was made amid growing Israel-Egypt tensions following Thursday's terror offensive. Reports published Saturday morning suggested that Cairo intends to recall its ambassador to Israel and demand an official apology from Jerusalem over the Egyptian deaths. In the wake of the crisis with Egypt, senior Israeli officials held meetings Saturday to discuss the sensitive situation. In a security discussion with IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz, the defense minister said: "The peace treaty between Israel and Egypt has great significance and immense strategic value for Middle Eastern stability." (18,57)