Driving the challenging Border Road #10 between Israel and Egypt
Border Road #10 is a paved road that runs along the border fence between Israel and Egypt. The road crosses a militarized area and, for much of its history, has been closed to civilians due to security concerns.
How long is Border Road #10?
Located in the southern part of Israel, the road is about 190 km (118 miles) long. It’s fully paved but in relatively poor condition in parts. Egyptian border guard posts can be seen positioned at regular intervals across the other side of the Israel-Egypt border fence which the road hugs and there are several lookout points along the way. It is isolated and runs through a desert environment. As a result, it lacks services like gas stations, stores, or accommodations. Travelers on the road, when it's open, must prepare for the trip with adequate supplies of water, fuel, and food.
Where does Border Road #10 start and end?
The road runs north-south from Rafah (a Palestinian city, capital of the Rafah Governorate, in the southern Gaza Strip) to the Red Sea near the city of Eilat in the south. The road is very important, primarily for defense and border security. It provides a means for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to patrol the border area and respond quickly to any security incidents or breaches along the border fence with Egypt. In recent years, Israel has improved security along the border by constructing a sophisticated border fence to prevent infiltration, smuggling, and attacks.
Can I drive Border Road #10?
The road has been closed to all civilian vehicles unless plans are coordinated with the IDF in advance. Access is controlled by the military and can occasionally be opened to the public only on specific calendar days in the year, usually amounting to only around 10 (and only during daylight hours). Even when open, travelers typically need to consult with local authorities or the military to confirm whether it's safe to drive, as conditions can change depending on the security situation.
Is Border Road #10 scenic?
In addition to its military importance, the drive is highly scenic, offering breathtaking views of the desert and the mountainous terrain of the Negev. It reaches an elevation of 988 m (3,241 ft) above sea level and provides stunning views of the Sinai Desert, the Negev Highlands, and the Eilat Mountains, with the Egyptian desert visible across the border.
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