Following major ISIS attacks against Egyptian forces in Sinai, Israel has stepped-up its military presence along the Egyptian border.

Israel on Wednesday, 14 Tammuz, closed Gaza crossings and banned border community farmers from working their fields in response to the attacks as the situation is being monitored.

IDF Southern Command commanders conferred on Wednesday and the decision was made to step up the military presence along the border as the international community awaits the Egyptian response to the ISIS threat. Egypt has not increased its military presence in Sinai, a move that requires Israeli approval as per the peace treaty between Cairo and Jerusalem.

Residents of border communities reported that when they saw the smoke bellowing from the Rafiach area on Wednesday they thought it was a military drill, later learning of the major ISIS assaults against Egyptian forces in Sinai that left over 50 Egyptian troops dead.

Israel is not acting at present but the situation is being carefully monitored as Jerusalem looks at Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi for his next move.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)