IDF bans civilians from Route 10 near Egypt border

Gantz prohibits civilians from driving near border without prior coordination with the army, according to a new directive.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN
Border fence with Egypt 370 (photo credit: GPO)
Border fence with Egypt 370
(photo credit: GPO)
IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz has banned civilian traffic from sections of Route 10 that run near the Egyptian border, the army announced Thursday. Civilians will not be permitted to drive near the border without prior coordination with the army for a year, according to the new directive.
In August 2011, a cross-border terror attack from the Sinai Peninsula killed eight Israelis on the road, leading OC Southern Command, Maj.-Gen. Tal Russo, to seal it off to traffic.
Since then, the IDF has carried out several works to improve security in the area, including the construction of a new barrier along the border.
The Sinai region remains a hotbed of terrorist activity.