NEW : Jerusalem ( CNN ) -- Following an investigation , Israel apologized to Egypt this week over an August incident in which five Egyptian border guards were killed , the Israeli Ministry of Defense said . Israel thanks Egyptian field marshal for helping with negotiations for Shalit 's return . In August incident , 5 Egyptian border guards were killed by Israeli soldiers . Relations between the two countries have been strained in recent months .
NEW : Israel thanks Egyptian field marshal for helping with negotiations for Shalit 's return . In August incident , 5 Egyptian border guards were killed by Israeli soldiers . Relations between the two countries have been strained in recent months .