Tensions in the South: An unusual security incident took place today (Saturday) on the Israel-Egypt border. In the incident, a male and female soldier were killed by gunfire near the border and a message was given to the families. Towards noon, an exchange of fire developed in the area and a terrorist was killed. According to the assessment, this is an Egyptian policeman.

A few hours later, around 11:00, the IDF informed about an exchange of fire that had developed near the Egyptian border. Later, it was reported that during an encounter with a terrorist on Israeli territory, an exchange of fire developed. The fighters and commanders attempted contact, shot and killed him. The IDF continues to search the area.

An IDF soldier was killed during the exchange of fire with the terrorist on Israeli territory in the area of the Paran Brigade. In addition, an IDF soldier was slightly injured and was taken to a hospital for medical treatment. Their families have been notified.

In a briefing with reporters, the IDF spokesman today defined the security incident at the Egyptian border as an attack. According to him, at 2:30 in the morning (light on Shabbat), a smuggling operation was thwarted three kilometers north of the place where the fighters were killed. Drugs worth one and a half million shekels. Later, During the morning activity, the male and female fighters were killed and were not together. According to initial investigation, the two were located separately and not together in the position, by a force that was launched after they did not respond to the call. The division commander arrived there and the commander of the Southern Command will arrive there soon.

According to a preliminary investigation by the forces, the terrorist shot at the soldiers, and it is not yet known if the shooting is related to smuggling. Later, upon the arrival of the division commander, the forces began scanning and a terrorist was identified. As a result, he was shot and killed. It is believed that this is a terrorist who carried out the attack in the morning, but this has not yet been verified.

Security situation assessment

Following the security incident at the Egyptian border, Defense Minister Yoav Galant held a situational assessment with the Chief of Staff and senior officials of the defense establishment. Likewise, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is regularly updated on the details of the security event.

In the Ramat Hanegev settlement, it was stated that "following the reports from the morning hours about a security incident and exchange of fire on the border with Egypt and around Mount Harif, it is important for us to update you that the head of the council and the council's chief of staff are in direct and ongoing contact with the IDF and the security forces who are managing the incident. In the council's settlements, routine is fully maintained And we are in continuous contact with the Rabbis and the Yishuvim Rabbis. We will return and update on any further developments."

Source: Israel Hayom