Defense Minister Katz Declares ‘War’ on Drone Smuggling at Egypt Border

Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz announced a major new campaign to combat weapons smuggling along Israel’s border with Egypt, warning that “anyone entering the restricted area will be struck.”

The announcement followed an emergency meeting held Thursday with top security officials, including Shin Bet director David Zini, top IDF officials. The session focused on the growing threat posed by drone-based arms smuggling across the Sinai border, a challenge Katz now described as an extension of the Gaza war.

Katz said he convened the meeting “to declare war on drone smuggling along the Israel–Egypt border,” adding that the current situation “is dangerous to the security of the state and cannot continue.” He warned that smuggled weapons were intended “to arm our enemies,” and that Israel “must use every means to stop it.”

Under the new measures, the IDF will treat the zone adjacent to the Egyptian border as a closed military area and modify its rules of engagement accordingly. Katz and Shin Bet chief Zini also agreed to classify the smuggling of weapons via drones as a terror threat, a step that will expand the range of intelligence and operational tools available to security forces.

“The smuggling of weapons by drones is part of the war in Gaza,” Katz said. “Just as we created deterrence against Hezbollah’s drone and rocket fire on northern communities, we must create deterrence here. Those engaged in these smuggling operations will pay a very heavy price if they do not stop.”

In coordination with the Defense Ministry’s weapons development directorate (MAFAT), Katz ordered the acceleration of technological solutions to counter drone activity, in cooperation with the Israel Air Force.

Coalition members praised Katz’s decision to treat the Egyptian border as a security priority. Deputy Minister Almog Cohen thanked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Katz, and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir for “answering my call to declare the border area a closed military zone and confront the surge in arms smuggling that has become a strategic threat… The old conception collapsed on October 7,” Cohen said. “I’m glad we woke up to this issue too — we won’t wake up one morning to find an armed army at our gates.”

Likud MK Tzvi Sukkot, also welcomed the move: “When I warned last September that this was an existential threat, I was a lone voice in the desert. I now commend the defense minister for changing course and declaring all-out war on the phenomenon endangering Israel.”

Minister Yitzhak Wasserlauf added: “The border with Egypt has become a black hole — security-wise and economically — harming the Negev and the entire State of Israel. It’s time to put an end to it.”

In recent months, defense forces have faced repeated attempts by various groups to smuggle weapons across the Egyptian border, primarily via drones. Less than a month ago the IDF said it neutralized two suspects who tried to ram a patrol during an attempted smuggling. The closed area covers roughly 200 kilometers along the fence, the full length of Israel’s frontier with Egypt, signaling a new, tougher operational phase.