Gaza border faces new trend of 'military tourism'

The recent incident involving an Israeli citizen driving into the Gaza Strip with a civilian car bearing yellow Israeli license plates has drawn criticism from security services.

The individual crossed the border near Kibbutz Be'eri without hindrance and traveled approximately a kilometer into the conflict-affected area. Security services have reprimanded the Gaza Division for lapses in border protection, inadequate vigilance, and failed control.

The individual in the car was detained in the Gaza Strip and returned to Israel. However, this incident sheds light on the emerging trend of "military tourism," where citizens, sometimes with the assistance of soldiers stationed in the area and sometimes without permission, cross the sector's border to observe soldiers, battle sites, and other points of interest.

The Separation Fence Directorate, led by Brigadier General Eran Ophir, faces the daunting task of working with IDF engineering units and the Gaza Division to fully restore and reinforce the separation barrier.

The barrier was breached in multiple locations on October 7, known as Black Saturday, by Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and groups of Palestinian civilians.

Additionally, they must establish a buffer zone between the separation fence and residential buildings.

Creating a buffer zone necessitates the demolition of Palestinian homes used by terrorists as sniper positions and launching sites for anti-tank missiles and mortar shells targeting Israel. It also involves gathering intelligence and disrupting terrorist activities.

Experts, as reported by Walla!, emphasize the need not only to repair and fortify the barrier but also to modernize it significantly in light of the events of October 7.

However, there are concerns that without significant changes in the planning process, led by those who developed the failed concept, meaningful improvements may be unlikely.