Israeli defense minister announces closure of border with Egypt

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Thursday that Israel will declare its border with Egypt a closed military zone. The decision will ‘turn the border-adjacent area into a closed military zone and change the rules of engagement to strike drone operators and smugglers by targeting any unauthorized element penetrating the off-limits area,’ Katz’s office said. As part of the effort, the Defense Ministry’s Directorate of Defense Research & Development and the Israeli Air Force would develop new ‘technological solutions’ to counter drones, it added, while the National Security Council would be involved in changing regulations regarding the use, purchase, and possession of drones.