Egyptian police intercepted anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles that were apparently about to be smuggled to the Gaza Strip.
A weapons cache was discovered hidden in the Sinai Desert, approximately 50 miles south of of the Gaza border, Egyptian police said Saturday. The haul included some 30 shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles as well as anti-tank rockets, rifles and ammunition.
Palestinian terrorists in the Hamas-run Gaza regularly smuggle in arms from neighboring Egypt. Israel fears the contraband includes high-end ordnance that could exact serious casualties among its forces should there be a major sweep of the territory.
With U.S. help, Israel recently has been applying pressure on Egypt to crack down on the cross-border smuggling.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.