The IDF has deployed an Iron Dome battery in the southern city of Eilat as the Egyptian army launches a large-scale operation to purify the Sinai Peninsula of al-Qaeda inspired terrorist cells.

The battery was deployed at the height of the tourist season for fear the city would become the target of rocket fire. The IDF has arranged that the city's siren system be connected to the alert systems installed on the Israel-Egypt border.

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Egypt's military operation is expected to include two infantry regiments, special forces, armored units and combat helicopters.





Iron Dome in Eilat (Photo: Meir Ohayon)

Egypt's interim president Adli Mansour said Thursday, "We will fight a battle for security until the end."

Third Army Commander General Osama Askar stated on Wednesday that his forces captured 19 Grad rockets from Suez en route to Cairo, and added they are of the same make as those in Hamas ' hands, and he estimated they were sent to Cairo to aid the Muslim Brotherhood.





Photo: Meir Ohayon

Over the last two weeks the Egyptian army destroyed dozens of smuggling tunnels between Sinai and the Gaza Strip, considered a significant lifeline for Hamas.

Meanwhile, in the first such incident in a month, two Qassam rockets, fired from the Gaza Strip, exploded Thursday in the Eshkol Regional Council. No injuries or damages were reported.

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