Israeli residents near Egypt border voice fears over unusual movements and digging activity

Israeli media have reported heightened anxiety among residents living near the Egyptian border, following observations of unusual movements and suspected digging activity on the Egyptian side of the frontier.

According to the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation (Kan 11), a climate of fear and uncertainty has taken hold in settlements bordering Egypt, with residents expressing concern about the possibility of an attack similar to the events of 7 October.

The broadcaster said inhabitants of the Shlomit settlement reported repeatedly seeing pickup trucks moving close to the border fence, while apparent excavation work in nearby areas has raised questions about security preparedness and whether sufficient lessons have been learned since the earlier attacks.

The report, aired as part of the Man in the Field programme presented by Suleiman Masouda and Kan Digital News Studio, described growing tension across Israel’s southern border region, where communities remain on high alert.

Residents interviewed in the programme questioned the extent of current security measures, with some highlighting the psychological impact of the situation. One example cited in the report asked why a mother would feel compelled to keep a pistol inside her children’s room, reflecting persistent fears among border communities.

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Hebrew media outlets also reported that settlers living near the frontier remain concerned about ongoing smuggling operations allegedly conducted through tunnels along the border area.

Israeli security assessments claim that smuggling networks are increasingly active, transporting weapons, ammunition and fighters from Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula towards Israeli territory. Israeli officials fear that armed groups could exploit tunnel routes to carry out infiltration operations, despite repeated Egyptian assurances that militant activity in Sinai has been largely dismantled.

According to Israeli intelligence sources cited in the reports, some organisations are believed to be digging new tunnels or refurbishing older ones destroyed in previous operations, using advanced methods that make detection more difficult and relying on logistical support from local networks in Sinai.

The reports come amid continued regional tensions and heightened security sensitivity along Israel’s southern borders.

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