IAF tightening security around bases due to Gaza border breach

The IAF maintains three primary bases in southern Israel - Uvda near Eilat, Hatzerim near Beersheba and Ramon near Mitzpe Ramon.

By YAAKOV KATZ
base 88 (photo credit: )
base 88
(photo credit: )
The Israeli Air Force has beefed up security throughout its bases in the South out of fear that Palestinian terrorists who recently crossed into Egypt are planning to infiltrate Israel and carry out attacks against the sensitive military installations. The IAF maintains three primary bases in southern Israel - Uvda near Eilat, Hatzerim near Beersheba and Ramon near Mitzpe Ramon. Following the collapse of the border wall between the Gaza Strip and Egypt two weeks ago, defense officials said that concerns were raised regarding the possibility that terrorists who crossed into Sinai would target these sensitive bases. All three are home to Israel's most advanced F-16 and F-15 fighter jet squadrons. Due to the new reality in Gaza, the IAF is considering investing significant funds to erect electronic fences around the bases that would assist in alerting soldiers of a terror or criminally-motivated infiltration.