A report published in an Israeli newspaper claims that Egyptian passenger planes have been penetrating Israeli airspace near Eilat.
The report also said that the flyovers are unauthorised and have prompted the Israeli government to intensify its counter-measures using anti-aircraft missiles and fighter planes and having them on stand-by. Furthermore, Israel has stepped up the air security aimed at Saudi Arabia following rumours that Al Qaeda has recruited Saudi pilots in a bid to launch an attack similar to the September 11 strikes.
According to anonymous Israeli officials, Tel Aviv has asked Egypt to prevent its planes from entering Israeli air space near the southern port of Eilat, issuing a dire warning that if they suspect an attack to occur the plane could be shot down.
Only four people have the authority to order a passenger aircraft shot down, the prime minister, defense minister, chief of General Staff and commander of the air force.
Egyptians planes have the right to use some corridors in Israeli airspace; however the shortcut route over Eilat is not on the list. The usual flight paths of Egyptian planes heading for Jordan cross near Eilat.
The sources claim that there have been at least 25 incidents involving Egyptian civilian planes flying in unauthorized areas in the past six months and in some cases fighter jets were ordered into the air and then quietly returned to base.
Israel has been on high alert for similar September 11 strikes, like the ones that struck New York and Washington, to hit Eilat especially as is has a row of high-rise buildings.
Israeli officials claim that Egypt hasn't responded to its urgent messages and that overflights continue.
Eilat is at Israel's southernmost tip, at a place where the borders of Israel, Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia converge.
The report also said that the flyovers are unauthorised and have prompted the Israeli government to intensify its counter-measures using anti-aircraft missiles and fighter planes and having them on stand-by. Furthermore, Israel has stepped up the air security aimed at Saudi Arabia following rumours that Al Qaeda has recruited Saudi pilots in a bid to launch an attack similar to the September 11 strikes.
According to anonymous Israeli officials, Tel Aviv has asked Egypt to prevent its planes from entering Israeli air space near the southern port of Eilat, issuing a dire warning that if they suspect an attack to occur the plane could be shot down.
Only four people have the authority to order a passenger aircraft shot down, the prime minister, defense minister, chief of General Staff and commander of the air force.
Egyptians planes have the right to use some corridors in Israeli airspace; however the shortcut route over Eilat is not on the list. The usual flight paths of Egyptian planes heading for Jordan cross near Eilat.
The sources claim that there have been at least 25 incidents involving Egyptian civilian planes flying in unauthorized areas in the past six months and in some cases fighter jets were ordered into the air and then quietly returned to base.
Israel has been on high alert for similar September 11 strikes, like the ones that struck New York and Washington, to hit Eilat especially as is has a row of high-rise buildings.
Israeli officials claim that Egypt hasn't responded to its urgent messages and that overflights continue.
Eilat is at Israel's southernmost tip, at a place where the borders of Israel, Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia converge.
