"In light of concerns that terrorists would attempt to attack Israelis in the Sinai desert, and amid the war in Gaza, travel there should be avoided and anyone currently in the Sinai should leave immediately."
This stern warning was posted on the National Security Council's website. Egypt was rated a 4th level threat, the highest possible, but not everyone was convinced.
Hundreds of Israelis were scheduled to cross the border into the Sinai this week. Eliran Levy, who is soon to join them said he is not afraid.
"There are warnings about Israelis going to Sinai every year, but they still go and enjoy themselves," he told Ynet. "Things have changed in Israel, but among the Bedouins in Sinai, nothing has changed."
Ran Golden, who also plans to vacation in the Sinai, said that officials are out of touch. "The last time I was there, I went on a jeep tour with a bunch of young Egyptians from Cairo and Alexandria. We did not encounter any ISIS or Hamas cells. We found mountains, springs, good food, warm, kind people who are good hosts," he said.
There are not many tourists there now, he added. "It's quiet, pretty and clean. All you can ask for. They may hate Israel, but they don't hate Israelis and you must go there with an open heart." Ran said Israel was also dangerous with terror attacks on the rise. "All you need is one insane person and we've already seen there are a lot more of them in Israel than in the Sinai."
The Sinai desert has been a favored holiday destination for many Israelis over the years but has consistently been singled out as dangerous by the National Security Council and has been targeted by terrorists. Despite its proximity to Israel, extracting Israelis amid attacks, and getting them quickly to the hospital has been difficult and required the cooperation of Egyptian authorities to expedite border crossings.
This year the National Security Council issued travel warnings for dozens of countries around the world.
First published: 22:14, 04.21.24