(JTA) — Israeli authorities ordered the closure of Eilat’s airport based on a tip from Egyptian security services, the Palestinian news agency Ma’an reported.
The Egyptians warned their Israeli counterparts that a radical Muslim terrorist cell planned to launch mid-range missiles at the airport, according to a report Friday by Ma’an.
The southern city’s airport was closed Thursday on orders from the Israel Defense Forces until its reopening one day later. Three weeks ago, the Israel Defense Forces deployed an Iron Dome missile interception system near Eilat as Egyptian army forces cracked down on armed groups in the Sinai peninsula.
The report, which quoted an unnamed “senor Egyptian security official,” also said that the same terrorist cell was plotting to carry out an attack in the Suez area.
In addition to targeting the Eilat airport, terrorists were planning to target airplanes with shoulder-held anti-aircraft missiles, the report said.
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