After IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz increased the size of the force operating along the Gaza and Egyptian borders, additional troops are being deployed in Eilat ahead of the opening of the United Nations General Assembly later this month. At that time, the matter of a unilateral PA (Palestinian Authority) declaration of statehood will dominate the agenda, and IDF commanders fear the border city may be targeted in mayhem that may result from the international body accepting the bid for statehood.

Presently, the troops are primarily deployed on Route 10, along the Egyptian border, but soldiers will also be dispatched along the seam line between southern Gaza. Area community security officers remain on heightened alert against infiltration attempts, and of course, they remain ready to act in response to Kassam rocket attacks.

The latest move is in response to credible intelligence information that Islamic Jihad terrorists making their way from Sinai are planning a major attack in the south.

Some military officials add that gunfire directed at IDF troops in the area over recent days was a test of the alertness and response of the force in the area – seeking to weigh the situation ahead of moving forward with a planned attack.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)