With growing concerns of Sinai becoming a terror base, the IDF last week set an Iron Dome rocket defense system into place in the southern tourist city of Eilat. The move came amid increased fighting in Egypt and numerous attacks against Egyptian police in the Sinai area, some resulting in fatalities. YWN-ISRAEL also reported that as part of Egypt’s effort to restore control to the Sinai area, an Egyptian military chopper operated over Gaza for a first time since 1967.

Israel has approved the deployment of Egyptian battalions in Sinai, which has been demilitarized since the signing of the Camp David Agreement in the hope that country’s military will bring renewed stabilization to the area. Israel is not pleased over the Egyptian military presence in Sinai but considering today’s realities vis-à-vis Egypt, it is the best short-term option available.

In addition to the deployment of the Iron Dome, the IDF is considerably boosting its presence along the border to Sinai.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)