Sinai border wide open to illegal workers, terrorists

"The Israel-Egypt border is easy to cross, there is no real obstacle, just a low fence."

By SHELLY PAZ
IDF lookout Egypt border (photo credit: Channel 10)
IDF lookout Egypt border
(photo credit: Channel 10)
Hours before a terrorist entered from Egypt on Sunday to carry out an attack on an Eilat bakery, 23 people from Georgia, Turkey, the Ivory Coast and Uganda were caught trying to illegally enter Israel via that same border. Groups trying to enter from Egypt in search of work are caught every few weeks, according to the Interior Ministry. "This time the group included a minor, which is very exceptional. The minor and his father came from Turkey and claimed they wanted to be united with the mother of the family and a daughter, who are also staying in Israel illegally," an Interior Ministry's spokeswoman said. Terror in Eilat:
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  • Suicide bombings since 2001 "The border between Israel and Egypt is easy to cross, there is no real obstacle, just a low fence that is easy to cross," Yossi Edelstein, supervisor of the Foreigners Enforcement Department in the Interior Ministry, said Monday. Weapons, ammunition and drugs are smuggled into Israel from Egypt on a regular bases, he said. "The security forces prefer to address these matters first, and only then do they deal with those entering Israel to find work, mostly from Eastern European countries, and even from countries with which Israel has no diplomatic ties, like Sudan," he said. Illegal aliens from countries that have diplomatic relation with Israel are normally sent back. However those from countries that do not recognize Israel are detained, often for long periods, since it is difficult to deport them. Most approach the border on foot before trying to cross into Israel, and they are often robbed and otherwise exploited on the way. Many of those caught and deported do not hesitate to try again and again. "They know the cost but still they come back, because here they can earn money and provide for their families. It is an endless circle," Edelstein said. Military sources confirmed the border fence was ineffective. "There was nothing exceptional about the group of illegal aliens who were caught on Sunday, except perhaps for how many there were," a military source told The Jerusalem Post. "It is clear to us that borders without fences cannot stop illegal aliens or terrorists. The vast majority of terror attempts are stopped and there has been an increase in overall effectiveness, but it is still a drop in the bucket," the source said. According to the military source, most terrorist infiltration starts in the Gaza Strip, passes through Sinai, and then enters Israel. This was probably the route taken by Monday's suicide bomber. More than a hundred people involved in terrorism have been caught at the Egyptian border over the past year. "Right after disengagement, the Gaza Division expanded its area of operation and doubled its strength." The source said a second division would be stationed on the western border in a month. There is also a plan to install obstacles in the more-easily crossed areas, but it is on hold because of a lack of funding.