Counter-terror officials are becoming increasingly concerned, repeating over and over again that all Israelis in Sinai, some 250-300, should leave immediately. Unfortunately, most Israelis in Sinai are signaling that terror alerts are not a new phenomenon and they do not appear ready to curtail their vacation.

Credible information received by IDF intelligence, the ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) and the Mossad, with all concurring, that terrorists operating in Sinai are indeed planning to abduct Israelis to bring them to Hamas-controlled Gaza.

Counter-terror officials and Defense Minister Ehud Barak stated there may be times in the future when one may safely travel to Sinai, but Barak stated, “Today is not the time and all Israelis must return home now.”

Israel is prohibited from closing the Taba Crossing to Egypt as per the peace treaty signed with Israel. The IDF however has issued a directive to all personnel, officers and enlisted personnel, compulsory service personnel, career officers and non-commissioned officers, and civilian employees, stating all prohibited from traveling to Sinai until the current terror alert is lifted.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)