The situation in Israel regarding Sinai changed radically on Wednesday 14 Tammuz following the major ISIS assault against Egyptian forces. In addition, ISIS has released a clear message that it plans to oust Hamas from Gaza and take over to impose Muslim rule. Such a reality is cause for concern for Israeli political and military officials, who continue monitoring events carefully. While Hamas is far from an ally, ISIS would be significantly worse.

On Wednesday Defense Ministry officials announced the Kerem Shalom and Nitzana Crossings were closed in response to the Sinai attacks and farmers in border communities were banned from working their fields. Those communities were on high alert and this status continues while the crossings to Gaza have been reopened on Thursday. Rafiach, which borders southern Gaza and Egypt remains a closed military area amid constant ISIS threats in Sinai.

Israel Radio reported that ISIS fighters gained controlled of armored vehicles, taken from the Egyptian military in Sinai. This includes tanks and armored personnel carriers. This poses another fear for Israel as these vehicles could be used in an attack against border terminals. These and related events are what prompted the closure of Israeli crossings on Wednesday and security forces are well-aware that rocket fire may resume at any moment. Needless to say the air force is on alert with combat helicopter and fighter plane pilots ready to act on a moments notice.

The current reality in Sinai may result in a change in the face of the region, which may include a major Egyptian attack against ISIS that would even be assisted by Israel. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has already signaled he may seek IDF backing for such an operation. According to a Haaretz report released on Thursday, the Egyptian leader may actually view Israel responsible for the situation in Gaza as it deals with Sinai. Over 50 Egyptian soldiers were killed in the ISIS attacks on Wednesday.

The Haaretz report adds that some of the many Gazans who fled to Sinai as a result of Operation Protective Edge may opt to join forces with ISIS too, not for ideological reasons but simply for the salary offered.

In southern Israel, communities in proximity to the Egyptian border remain on high alert as events in Sinai are being scrutinized.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)