Israeli Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu said that his country was "anxiously" watching events in Egypt and elsewhere in the region, amid the continuing massive anti-government protests in Israel's large Arab neighbour.

At the weekly cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said he had spoken about the Egyptian situation to US President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

It had also been discussed by the Israeli cabinet, including Defence Minister Ehud Barak and Foreign Minister Avigdor Liebermann, and with Israeli intelligence officials, he said.

"We are anxiously monitoring what is happening in Egypt and [elsewhere] in our region.

"Our efforts are designed to continue and maintain stability and security in our region."