The Egyptian military informed Israel it was preparing to launch a significant attack in the area bordering on Gaza, Israel and Sinai. Egyptian forces were amassing near the border with Israel, near Rafah.

To really understand Israel and the Middle East - subscribe to Haaretz

The area has been scene to a widespread operation against the Islamic State group affiliate in Sinai, Egypt's restive desert peninsula that shares a border with Israel and Gaza. ISIS in Sinai has grown substantially stronger as the group in Syria and Iraq collapses.

Many ISIS fighters have arrived in Sinai and are locked in a daily war with Egypt. The Egyptian offensive is coordinated with the Israeli army.

Open gallery view A burning vehicle is seen during a major assault against militants by Egyptian Army's soldiers in the troubled northern part of the Sinai peninsula in Al Arish, Egypt. Credit: \ HANDOUT/ REUTERS

The area is considered very sensitive and important to both Egypt and Israel, making coordination between them key.

Recently, the Israeli army unearthed a tunnel near the Kerem Shalom crossing next to Rafah. The tunnel, the army said, also reached into Israel and it is possible the offensive will address this as well.

Resident of the neighboring Israeli communities have received notice that in the coming days and weeks loud explosions would be heard from across the border in Egypt because of the operation.