Egyptian Border Policeman’s Attack on Israeli Soldiers Triggers Cross-Border Investigation
In an unexpected turn of events, an Egyptian border policeman was identified as the assailant in an incident that led to the death of three Israeli soldiers on the Sinai border with Egypt. The incident occurred early on a Saturday morning at a military post near Mount Harif, in the Negev desert, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The assailant was later killed by Israeli troops after being found in Israeli territory.
The deceased Israeli soldiers were identified as Sgt Lia Ben Nun, 19, Staff Sgt Ori Yitzhak Iluz, 19, and Staff Sgt Ohad Dahan, 20. A fourth soldier sustained minor injuries in the ensuing shootout.
The attacker, 23-year-old Mohamed Salah Ibrahim, reportedly infiltrated Israeli territory through an emergency crossing in the border fence. This route is often used by the IDF to access the restive Sinai peninsula, an area known for smuggling rings running guns, drugs, and the activities of terrorist groups such as Islamic State.
However, the IDF has refuted Egypt’s claims that Ibrahim was in pursuit of drug smugglers at the time of the incident, and that an exchange of fire led to the tragic outcome. The IDF also reported seizing drugs and contraband goods worth 1.5m shekels (£320,000) on the border at the time of the incident, but no link has been established between the seizure and the subsequent attack.
The incident was labeled a “terrorist attack” by Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, who also pledged a thorough investigation in cooperation with the Egyptian government. He emphasized the need to review procedures and operational methods to prevent such incidents in the future1.
Mohamed Salah Ibrahim, the Egyptian policeman, was known among his peers for his love for drawing and was often referred to as “the artist”. He had a modest background, having supported his family through work as a technician and carpenter after the loss of his father in a car accident. According to friends, Ibrahim had no political or religious affiliations and had interests that ranged from travel and photography to drawing. His military service was reportedly nearing its end.
Long Story Short
- An Egyptian border policeman, Mohamed Salah Ibrahim, was identified as the attacker in an incident that resulted in the deaths of three Israeli soldiers on the Sinai border with Egypt.
- The Israeli soldiers killed were Sgt Lia Ben Nun, Staff Sgt Ori Yitzhak Iluz, and Staff Sgt Ohad Dahan. A fourth soldier sustained minor injuries.
- The IDF refutes Egypt’s claims that the policeman was chasing drug smugglers at the time of the incident.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labeled the incident a “terrorist attack” and pledged a thorough investigation in cooperation with the Egyptian government.
- Ibrahim, known among his friends as “the artist,” had no political or religious affiliations and was due to end his military service soon.
