Authorities say they are targeting "terrorists" in the peninsula that borders the Palestinian Islamist-run Gaza Strip.
Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders and rights activists have condemned his detention.
But military spokesman Ahmed Ali justified the journalist's detention and military trial.
"Investigations showed that Mr Abu Deraa spread lies, saying that the Egyptian armed forces were attacking mosques, women and children. He deliberately spread false news," Ali told reporters.
"He also entered military zones."
Ali said the charges against Abu Deraa came under the jurisdiction of the military, and therefore required a military trial.
Several civil society groups have slammed the increasing number of military trials of civilians since the army ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi on July 3.
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Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders and rights activists have condemned his detention.
But military spokesman Ahmed Ali justified the journalist's detention and military trial.
"Investigations showed that Mr Abu Deraa spread lies, saying that the Egyptian armed forces were attacking mosques, women and children. He deliberately spread false news," Ali told reporters.
"He also entered military zones."
Ali said the charges against Abu Deraa came under the jurisdiction of the military, and therefore required a military trial.
Several civil society groups have slammed the increasing number of military trials of civilians since the army ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi on July 3.
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