Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has ordered the area along the Israeli-Egyptian border to be declared a closed military zone and the rules of engagement to be tightened, APA reports, citing Israeli media.
Katz instructed the Israel Defense Forces to take decisive measures against unauthorized intrusions and, together with Shin Bet chief David Zini, agreed to reclassify drone weapons smuggling as a terrorist threat.
"We are declaring war on drone smuggling. Anyone who violates the restricted area will be hit," the minister said.
The Israeli defense minister added that this decision will allow the introduction of enhanced security measures.
"Weapons transported by drones are part of the war against us. We will take deterrent measures here, as we did in the north — the rules have changed and those involved in the arms trade will pay a heavy price for this," Katz stressed.
