Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced on Thursday that he had instructed the military to designate the area along the border with Egypt as a closed military zone, in an intensified effort to counter weapon smuggling conducted via drones.
“I have directed the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) to declare the area adjacent to the Israel–Egypt border a closed military zone and to update the rules of engagement accordingly,” Katz said in an official statement. “Weapon smuggling through drones is part of the ongoing war in Gaza, intended to arm our enemies, and every possible measure must be taken to prevent it.”
Israel shares a 200-kilometre (124-mile) border with Egypt, which has increasingly become a hotspot for illicit activity linked to the conflict.
Earlier this week, the Israeli military reported two separate smuggling attempts using drones. On Sunday, a drone was detected crossing into Israeli airspace “from the west,” carrying eight firearms before being intercepted by troops. Two days later, on Tuesday, the army confirmed the interception of another drone laden with ten pistols after it “crossed from the eastern border” into Israeli territory — a route that borders Jordan.
Katz’s directive follows mounting concern that the smuggling networks are bolstering armed groups involved in the Gaza conflict. “Today, we declare war on those participating in these smuggling operations,” Katz stated. “Anyone who violates the restricted zone will be considered a target.”
Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir praised Katz’s move in a post on X, commending him for “recognising that the trafficking in the border region directly serves terrorist purposes.”
The new military restrictions are expected to remain in effect indefinitely as Israel increases surveillance and counter-drone operations along its southern and eastern borders.