Israel plans to launch a diplomatic campaign this week calling on the U.S. and European Union states to support the Egyptian government and military in their drive against the Muslim Brotherhood, the New York Times reported Monday.

According to the report, Israeli ambassadors in Washington and in several European capitals have been asked to relay the position that Egypt's military is the only hope for preventing the country from a decent to anarchy. Foreign diplomats stationed in Israel will be briefed with a similar message, it said.

However, a senior official in Israel's Foreign Ministry told Haaretz the diplomatic corps were issued with no such instructions, and denied any such briefings are planned for foreign ambassadors in Israel. He stated that all Israeli diplomats have been instructed to keep a low profile in regards to the Egyptian crisis, and refrain from making statements or discussing the matter unless pressed by other diplomats or foreign ministries in the countries where they are serving.

The New York Times, quoting anonymous Israeli sources, reported that the message to be relayed to European countries is that at present, stability in Egypt is more urgent than concerns over human rights or democracy. "We’re trying to talk to key actors, key countries, and share our view that you may not like what you see, but what’s the alternative?” one unnamed official was quoted as saying. “If you insist on big principles, then you will miss the essential - the essential being putting Egypt back on track at whatever cost. First, save what you can, and then deal with democracy and freedom and so on. At this point, it’s army or anarchy."

Open gallery view Security forces escort Muslim Brotherhood members through supporters of the interim government installed by the army from the al-Fath mosque in Cairo. August 17, 2013. Credit: Reuters