Israel admits operational failures in Egypt border shootings

JERUSALEM

The Israeli army has admitted operational failures to a deadly gunfire incident near border with Egypt that left three soldiers dead.

An investigation launched by the army found that there was a gap in the security fence between Israel and Egypt along with an imbalance in preparing the army units to deal with such situation versus the more common smuggling incidents across the border.

The investigation suggested shortening the 12-hour shifts for soldiers as it is too long and could harm their readiness.

On June 3, an Egyptian police officer crossed into Israel and killed three Israeli soldiers.

The Egyptian army said the officer was chasing drug smugglers and an exchange of fire occurred with the three Israeli soldiers killed in the incident.

But the Israeli narrative was that an officer-turned-terrorist infiltrated the border and killed two Israeli soldiers at a border post and then a third soldier was killed in an exchange of fire with the attacker, who was also killed.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar