A video shows an armed drone crossing from Sinai into Israel, raising alarms about “open borders.”

The Israeli news site “ynet” revealed data describing an “air bridge” from Egypt to Israel. MK Tzvi Sukot, head of the subcommittee, urgently called for a meeting after discovering that dozens of drones have been crossing the border from Egypt into Israel for many months, flying over the Ramat Negev Regional Council settlements.

This growing phenomenon is causing particular concern among residents, especially in the settlements of Be’er Milka and Kadim Barnea near the border, where drones cross daily. The Israeli army and police have so far failed to stop the smuggling operations from both sides.

Just yesterday, the Israeli army announced the seizure of a drone carrying illegal weapons that crossed the border from Egypt.

The new commander of the “Faran” Brigade, Colonel Guy Basson, responsible for the western Negev and the border with Egypt, recently met with members of the Ramat Negev Regional Council. In a closed-door meeting, he said the army is aware of the phenomenon and is not ignoring it. The brigade and the 80th Division responsible for the Sinai border sector are seeking effective ways to address the problem.

Data received by ynet and “Yedioth Ahronoth” indicate that hundreds of drone incursions into Israeli airspace have occurred. In just one month, from July 16 to August 25, the Faran Brigade recorded at least 384 drone incidents crossing the fence. Additionally, 248 incidents involved smugglers spotted on the Egyptian side, and 254 on the Israeli side.

A military source estimated that most smuggling involves goods like cigarettes and drugs, with fewer cases involving weapons. However, after the seizure of the drone carrying weapons yesterday, photos showed improvised weapons and other equipment, indicating that at least dozens of weapons are smuggled monthly by drones.

The same source noted that the data also includes army drones, but considering hundreds of smuggler sightings on both Israeli and Egyptian sides, the situation is complex. The presence of smugglers on both sides indicates a lack of deterrence on a border where enemies can act freely.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir sent a message to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticizing the National Security Council led by Tzachi Hanegbi—whom he has clashed with several times in the security cabinet—and wrote: “Unfortunately, the National Security Council under your leadership is in a deep sleep, and Israeli citizens are exposed to a serious security threat.” He added: “Drones are a giant ticking bomb that may explode on us very soon,” pointing out that “the danger is clear.”

Ben-Gvir also criticized the security establishment and political leadership’s handling of the issue: “Since 2017, the work of the National Security Council headquarters on this issue has not been completed, despite my insistence. Although a budget of 130 million shekels was approved to confront the threat and transferred to the Ministry of National Security, the funds have not been allocated.”

He indicated that responsibility ultimately lies with the police and added: “This threat can cause immediate harm with many casualties, like a terrorist attack, as well as long-term strategic damage due to smuggling of weapons, drugs, and money to crime and terror organizations.” He called for “immediate allocation of necessary budgets to the police.”

Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, said after the report: “Last night I spoke with the head of the Ramat Negev Regional Council, Eran Doron, who told me that hundreds of drones crossed from Sinai into southern Israel last month. In the past 24 hours alone, about 25 drones were counted crossing into Israel from Egypt. Security estimates indicate most are carrying weapons to gangs in the Negev, which are later sold to terror and crime organizations across the country.”

Lieberman added: “Furthermore, tests and trials of these smuggled tools are conducted every night in villages like Be’er Hadaj, where gunfire can be heard for hours. The Israeli government must wake up; at this rate, the internal use of these rifles is only a matter of time. Egypt cannot stand idly by either, and Israel must demand immediate action from them against this phenomenon on their side. The Yisrael Beiteinu faction will raise the issue in relevant Knesset committees and demand answers from government representatives. This is a security issue that cannot be ignored, and we will not back down until we get a response and stop the phenomenon,” he said.