Khaberni - Israeli reports indicate that Tel Aviv recorded a sharp increase last week in attempts to smuggle weapons via drones coming from Sinai, a phenomenon now classified as a strategic security challenge."
The Israeli radio station "Emis" reported that 87 drones were detected last week alone along the border with Egypt, 26 of which successfully crossed the border into Israeli territory, while 18 were shot down, and 43 drones — believed to have crashed on the Egyptian side before crossing.
The radio added that the Israeli security forces conducted two successful operations against smuggling networks in the area, one of which resulted in the arrest of a smuggler who had established a large launch platform near the border fence, an indicator of the growing capabilities of hostile entities to penetrate Israeli defense systems.
"Emis" mentioned that preliminary investigations revealed that smuggling operations included not only individual weapons but also large quantities of dangerous materials and advanced weapons, reflecting a "premeditated intent to enhance the capabilities of active cells within Israel".
The radio station explained that a special military force has been put on high alert to face this type of threats. It confirmed that — if orders are received from the high command — this force is capable of reaching any point along the southern border in record time, providing an "immediate and decisive operational response".
"Emis" quoted a senior security source as saying: "We are truly preparing for this scenario, in all conceivable contingencies," indicating that both the army and the police recognize that the threat via drones is no longer a marginal tactic, but a principal tool in the hands of hostile entities seeking to penetrate deep into Israeli territory without human loss.
In notable details, the radio reported that on Wednesday night, the Israeli military's air surveillance systems detected a drone coming from the east crossing the border, which was intercepted immediately.
The radio added that the following morning (Thursday), forces belonging to the Yoav Brigade found the wreckage, which turned out to be carrying 10 firearms (pistols), later transferred to the relevant security authorities for analysis of its source and associated distribution networks.
"Emis" confirmed that this incident is not isolated, but part of an organized wave, stating that dealing with this phenomenon has become a top priority in security agencies.
"An unprecedented security challenge"
The report concluded that the escalation in the use of drones to smuggle weapons from Sinai is considered one of the most serious security challenges facing Israel in recent years. The radio emphasized that the army and the police will continue to use all available means — from advanced technologies to elite units — to prevent any security breach, regardless of its nature.
The radio station posted on its website a picture of the drone that was shot down, which was carrying the ten weapons, previously published by Dovir Tsahal (the spokesperson for the Israeli Army).
One of the radio's Hebrew followers commented: "It seems that Egypt is planning for war! Israel must be very careful, as things might suddenly start like in the Yom Kippur War. I'm not calling for an attack now, but we may not have a choice in the future!"
