Against the backdrop of Israel's worries about Hamas's use of the Philadelphi Route and a potential escalation from Jordan against Israel, the IDF is grappling with a new challenge along the borders with Egypt and Jordan. Smugglers have developed a new method to carry out their operations without risking exposure along the border fence. This method involves using drones operating on both sides of the border to transport goods. Smugglers then arrive at the drone landing areas with fast vehicles, collect the smuggled goods and the drone, and escape without being detected, as reported by Avi Ashkenazi in Maariv.
The current assessment in the IDF is that the drones are primarily being used for drug smuggling. However, the military is also preparing for the possibility that the platform could be used to smuggle explosives or weapons.
The report also revealed that last night a commander from the IDF's "Karkal" Battalion, which operates along the Israel-Egypt border, was injured after his unit spotted a suspiciously moving vehicle near Bnei Netzarim. The unit signaled the driver to stop, but according to the soldiers’ accounts, the driver accelerated towards them and ran over the commander, who was lightly injured in his leg. The soldiers initiated a suspected arrest procedure and fired at the vehicle. The suspect fled the scene, and subsequent searches in the area uncovered a radio and a drone. The IDF now believes that this incident may be related to an attempted smuggling operation.
Additionally, the report mentioned that the IDF has noted that since the changes to the rules of engagement on the borders with Egypt and Jordan, the smugglers' activities have become more challenging for the forces tasked with preventing these operations. There is significant concern in Israel that the borders with Egypt and Jordan could turn into major routes for smuggling explosives, munitions, and weapons for terrorist organizations. Israeli officials are identifying Iranian efforts in this matter.
