Border Guard pursues smugglers in desert
Security forces working around the clock to thwart terror, criminal smuggling runs on Egypt border
They live among us, but cooperate with hostile and criminal sources over the border. They are Bedouin residents from the Negev, who form a link in the chain of smuggling runs flooding the country with drugs, prostitutes, and weapons. The methods used by smugglers are not particularly sophisticated, and usually rely on vehicles, a small tractor, motorcycle, and especially, expert knowledge of the terrain.
Border Police siezes equipment (Photo: Amir Cohen)
On Tuesday morning, at first light, 120 Border Guard members set on a police helicopter tour of the Negev in order to track down the enablers and smugglers. Chief Avshalom Peled of the Border Guard's Ramon unit explains: "We want to make clear that we will hunt every Israeli citizen who carries out smuggling over the border, to his home. We are looking for the way to prevent smuggling. Vehicles used by smugglers are used as look outs, touring the area, and moving goods."
Terror threat
The main concern of the security forces is the penetration of terrorists and the transfer of infrastructures (those knowledgeable in terror tactics) into the country. "The penetration of hostile sources is an increasing phenomenon in recent months, to the point that we changed the system of operation," said Peled.
As part of that change, the IDF has increased its Egyptian border patrol in a major way: "You can say there has been an improvement," said Peled. "But we are far from giving a full answer. We need additional technology and means, with the fence being the optimal tool. The penetration begins in Gaza, from there it goes to Sinai, and then back to the country, what we call the (Hebrew letter) Het route. This traffic route is done with their people, but in our territory they need the aid of Israeli residents."
Border Guard officers patrol desert (Photo: Amir Cohen)
Cooperation with the Egyptians in preventing smuggling is not effective enough, says Peled, and the situation does not appear like it is about to change. The fence set up by the Egyptians doesn't help, but is far more effective for travelers to ensure they don't lose their way and cross the border.
For smugglers, business is blooming, and tens of millions of shekels are made every year. "They have a strong interest in this activity – both economic, and to some extent, ideological."
