Purpose/Mission

Details: Implement 1979 Treaty of Peace between Egypt and Israel: "to assist in assuring compliance with the terms of Annex I to the Treaty, so as to enhance the mutual confidence of the parties in the security of the Sinai border area" after UN failed to provide peacekeeping forces.

Domestic Legal Authority

Details: "The deployment of U.S. forces to the Sinai for this purpose is being undertaken pursuant to Public Law 97-132 of December 29, 1981, and pursuant to the President's constitutional authority with respect to the conduct of foreign relations and as Commander-in-Chief of U.S. Armed Forces."

Claimed International Legal Basis

Details: In accordance with 1981 Egypt-Israel Protocol to the 1979 Treaty of Peace and pursuant to "an exchange of letters with Egypt and Israel dated August 3, 1981, the United States agreed, subject to Congressional authorization and appropriations, to contribute" to the MFO

Estimated Scope/Duration

Mission-bound but indeterminate

Details: "The duration of this involvement of U.S. forces in the Sinai will depend, of course, on the strengthening of mutual confidence between Egypt and Israel. The U.S. contribution to the MFO is not limited to any specific period...U.S. participation in future years will, of course, be subject to the Congressional authorization and appropriations process."

Type of Enemy or Mission

Details: Implementation of peace treaty

Military Activity

Details: "an infantry battalion, a logistics support unit and civilian observers"; "five unarmed UH-1H helicopters (which will provide air transportation in the Sinai for MFO personnel)"; "the operation of checkpoints, reconnaissance patrols, and observation posts; verification of the implementation of Annex I of the Peace Treaty; and ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Tiran in accordance with Article V of the Peace Treaty."

US Casualties Reported

Unknown

Non-US Casualties Reported

Unknown