In an unusual incident, three Israeli soldiers were killed by an Egyptian security officer during an exchange of fire on the Israeli side of the border. Both the Israeli and Egyptian armed forces announced they are jointly investigating the incident. The Egyptian military conveyed that its officer had crossed into Israeli territory while pursuing drug traffickers, a claim also echoed by the Israeli military.
The Israeli army’s position is that the shootings are presumed to be linked to a thwarted drug smuggling operation, as reported in an Haaretz article.
A Tragic Discovery and Ensuing Showdown
Early on Saturday morning, two Israeli soldiers stationed in a remote location along the border were fatally shot. After failing to establish radio contact with them, a senior officer discovered their bodies. A search operation was launched, culminating in a shootout that resulted in the death of another soldier and the alleged assailant, identified as an Egyptian policeman. A fourth soldier was wounded during this exchange.
Egyptian Response and Condolences
In its somewhat cryptic statement, the Egyptian military confirmed its officer was pursuing drug smugglers when the shooting occurred, leading to the Israeli deaths. “Sincere condolences” were extended to the families of the victims.
The Smuggling Operation
According to the Israeli military, an estimated $400,000 worth of contraband was seized during the operation against the smugglers. An ongoing search is underway for other potential accomplices in the area. The mode of entry of the Egyptian policeman into Israel remains unclear.
Geographic and Geopolitical Context
The attacks are said to have transpired between Mount Harif and Mount Sagi, positioned in the Negev desert. This location lies roughly midway between the Mediterranean coast and the Red Sea Israeli resort of Eilat. Richard Hecht, an Israeli military spokesman, emphasized to journalists that the ongoing cooperation with the Egyptians remains strong and that the incident is not a geopolitical issue, according to a Times of Israel live blog.
This incident signifies one of the gravest border disruptions since Egypt became the first Arab nation to sign a peace treaty with Israel in 1979. Despite the recent “cold peace,” the two countries have continued close collaboration on military and intelligence matters, particularly counter-terrorism. The Israeli air force has even aided the Egyptian army in its combat against Islamic State militants in northern Sinai Peninsula.
Historical Context and Border Security
Despite the construction of a tall border fence by Israel over the last decade to curb militant activities and human smuggling from Egypt, drug smuggling attempts persist in the area due to the extensive 255km (160 miles) border. The border region has seen several episodes of gunfire between smugglers and Israeli soldiers. On occasion, the Egyptian army’s efforts to suppress drug smugglers and jihadists have resulted in accidental cross-border fire.
In December of the previous year, an individual suspected of attempting to smuggle drugs into Israel was killed by Israeli soldiers.
Contradicting Accounts of the Incident
Details about the recent incident remain disputed. The IDF maintains that the Egyptian policeman shot two Israeli border guards. However, the Egyptian version of events suggests that the officer had crossed the border in pursuit of drug traffickers, resulting in a gunfight that caused the deaths of three Israelis.
Notably, this border crossing incident is deemed the first of its kind in more than a decade. The last such infiltration attempt occurred in 2012, when militants attacked an Egyptian checkpoint near Rafah, leading to a cross-border clash with Israel.
Loss of Soldiers and the Pursuit of Justice
The three Israeli soldiers who lost their lives in the incident have been identified as Staff Sgt. Ohad Danan, 20, who died during the gun battle, and Staff Sgt. Ori Izhad Iluz and Sgt. Lia Ben nun, 19, who were killed at their guard post. The incident has triggered further investigations by both countries.
According to the IDF’s Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, as reported in a Jerusalem Post article, Israel is coordinating with the Egyptian armed forces in this investigation. Similarly, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized on Twitter the importance of cooperation in this investigation and the prevention of future border terrorism.
Egypt and Israel have been at peace since 1979, and it is crucial to their mutual interests that this peace is maintained. The incident, while severe, does not signify a shift in their geopolitical relations but serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding border security and the ongoing challenges posed by drug smuggling.