Grad rockets likely fired from Sinai
IDF officials estimate Grad rockets found in Ovda, Mitzpe Ramon fired from Sinai shortly before polling stations opened in Egypt's presidential elections and on assumption Israel won't be able to retaliate
The IDF continues to investigate the circumstances behind the firing of two rockets that hit the Ovda and Mitzpe Ramon areas over the weekend. Their remnants were found on Saturday following open area scans.
It is now believed that the rockets were fired by a cell from the Sinai Peninsula several hours before polling stations opened in the second round of Egypt's presidential elections.
Related stories:
- Grad parts found in Mitzpe Ramon area
- Rocket remnants found in south Israel
- Egypt seizes arms convoy headed to Sinai
Senior IDF sources have addressed the growing terrorist activity in Sinai in the past year, linking the phenomenon to elements in Gaza, but noted Israel's limited intelligence on the region.
Grad found in Ovda area (Photo: Dotan Halbreich)
The lack of intelligence enables terrorist organizations to turn Sinai not only into a training ground and weapons smuggling route, but also into a terror hotbed in the wake of low police presence.
Army officials are concerned that despite the substantial progress made in the construction of the border fence, terrorist groups sending cells into Sinai will use the area to fire rockets knowing that the IDF will refrain from mounting counter strikes on Egyptian sovereign territory.
Nevertheless, the IDF maintains close cooperation with Egyptian forces.
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