The situation in the Middle East remains volatile, as Israel declares the border line with Egypt a "closed military zone" amid an increase in asymmetric threats.
Israel is escalating its defense on the southern front to unprecedented levels. On November 6, Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to declare the Israel–Egypt border line as a closed military zone, due to the dramatic increase in smuggling operations and drone attacks that threaten national security.
This decision comes as threats from the southern front continue despite the cessation of hostilities in Gaza. Katz convened a high-level meeting with senior IDF commanders, police officials, and the head of the Shin Bet, David Zini, emphasizing that the area must now operate under strict security measures.
According to Katz, the IDF will have the authority to deal with any unauthorized drone or operator entering the zone, essentially turning the southern border into a military barrier against illegal threats. The escalation follows a series of troubling incidents. In the first week of November, a drone carrying eight pistols was shot down by the IDF—marking the fifth recorded smuggling attempt in recent weeks.
Previous attempts included attacks with automatic weapons, underscoring the increase in the frequency and complexity of the threats.
The Ministry of Defense is now implementing a multi-layered strategy. The Defense Research and Development Directorate and the Israeli Air Force are developing new technological solutions against drones, while the National Security Council is moving forward with legislative changes and new regulations for the possession and use of drones.
Meanwhile, the Shin Bet has classified the trafficking of weapons via drones as a terrorist threat, giving broad authorization to Israeli security forces. The IDF Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, reinforced Katz's orders, reallocating personnel and resources to the southern front.
Reports indicate that suicide drones, primarily from the Houthis of Yemen, have struck the area from the Egyptian side in the weeks before the Gaza ceasefire agreement, adding new complexity to the already volatile situation. The militarization of the Israel–Egypt border line is expected to cause tension with Cairo, which has already strengthened its military presence. This situation underscores the continuous challenge for Israel: the southern front remains a significant commitment of forces, limiting the IDF's ability to address other threats, especially on the northern border.
As Katz stated: "We are facing a new era of threats on our southern border. The IDF must act decisively to prevent the introduction of weapons and drones that endanger our citizens. Israel will not tolerate any attempt to exploit weakness." This move signals a dramatic escalation in Israel's defense on the southern front, where drones and smuggling networks are now the focus of a geostrategic thriller that may reshape the region's strategic balances for years to come.
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