The Israeli newspaper Maariv said that the Israeli army has set up a special reserve force from residents of the Nitzana area, adjacent to the border with Egypt, to deal with any attack by the Islamic State group.
The newspaper reported on Sunday that the Islamic State's recent growth in Sinai has become a nuisance to the army and security forces, so the authorities decided to form an "elite force" of residents of the region who previously served in the army and security, to respond immediately to any attack.
An Israeli army colonel who serves as in charge of a military unit on the border with Egypt said the recently established team is the first nucleus of a major military unit that will be formed to counter "terrorist" threats in the region.
The new team consists of 20 people and is tasked with responding immediately to any attack, the colonel said, noting that it will be equipped with modern military vehicles and important operating equipment, and will be on constant alert.