The crisis between Israel and Egypt appeared to have abated on Sunday following intense diplomatic efforts over the weekend by U.S. and Israeli officials. Tensions between the two countries erupted with Egypt threatening to recall its Ambassador in Israel. The Egyptian government demanded Israel apologize for the killing of three Egyptian soldiers by Israeli army troops on Thursday, who pursued the terrorists that killed 8 Israelis on Highway 12 near the Egyptian border. Hundreds of Egyptians protested outside Israel' Embassy in Cairo and Israeli missions in Alexandria and Giza on Friday and Saturday. The protesters also burned Israeli flags. Some Egyptian officials called to end the peace accord with Israel. On Saturday, Israel's Defense Minister Ehud Barak issued a statement saying he "regrets the death of the Egyptian policemen .... The peace agreement between Israel and Egypt is of great importance and strategic value to stability in the Middle East,"Barak said. Both Israeli diplomatic and defense officials said a joint investigation would be conducted with Cairo into the deaths of the Egyptian soldiers. Over the weekend Israeli officials spoke with Egyptian officials in an effort to defuse tensions. An Egyptian official said currently there are no plans tore-negotiate terms of the peace deal with Israel and at present Cairo is working to contain the situation and restore order.