Israel has called on the United States and a number of European Union countries to curb their criticism of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to preserve stability in the region, the daily Haaretz newspaper reported.
Israeli officials keep a low profile on the events in Egypt, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu even ordering cabinet members to avoid commenting publicly on the issue.
The foreign ministry reportedly issued a directive to around a dozen key embassies in the United States, Canada, China, Russia and several European countries. The ambassadors were told to stress to their host countries the importance of Egypt's stability for the region.
Netanyahu announced at Sunday's weekly cabinet meeting that the security cabinet will convene Monday to discuss the situation in Egypt.
"The peace between Israel and Egypt has lasted for more than three decades and our objective is to ensure that these relations will continue to exist," Netanyahu told his ministers. "We are closely monitoring events in Egypt and the region and are making efforts to preserve its security and stability."
The foreign ministry has called on Israelis currently in Egypt to consider returning home and for those planning to visit the country to reconsider.
"The collapse of the old regime in Cairo, if it takes place, will have a massive effect, mainly negative, on Israel's position in the region," Israeli military expert Amos Harel told Haaretz. "In the long run, it could put the peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan in danger, the largest strategic assets after the support of the US."