According to the Jerusalem Post, Egyptian passenger jets are veering on a regular basis from their flight plan an over Israeli territory in the South. This is forcing the IAF to respond by sending its jets into a position where they can “intercept” if something goes wrong, or if it appears a jet is targeting a building or a hotel. This seems to me like a test of Israel’s response times and capabilities.
It turns out that the Saudis also have an F-15 squadron in a nearby base and they are scrambling their jets regularly as well. Interesting fact from the story, only 4 people in Israel have the authority to order the downing of a passenger jet, and they would likely have 3 or 4 minutes at most to make a decision if a plane is perceived to be hostile.
CK, That’s what they were saying as late as August, 1973.
You know, having spent loads of time in Egypt (and not just in Sinai), I wouldn’t be surprised if it was in fact accidental. It’s a wonder anything gets done right in that country at all.
Prime Minister’s office claims it’s a “misunderstanding.”
I don’t think so. The Egyptians know how to read maps.
smoke ’em down
ha! MAYBE they do!!!
Maybe they just want to visit Eilat.
hmmm.. sounds a lot like a game siblings play to torment each other, only on a grander scale. You know the game… “I’m not touching you! I’M NO TOUCHING YOU!!” as you point a finger 2 inches from his/her face.