JERUSALEM, Nov. 12 (UPI) -- Israelis still visit the Sinai Peninsula, despite government warnings of possible kidnappings, saying they feel safer in the Egyptian peninsula than in Israel.
A statement from the prime minister's office Thursday warned Israelis credible information indicated an Army of Islam cell was in Sinai for the purpose of abducting Israelis, Ynetnews.com reported Friday.
However, Israeli travelers to Egypt weren't heeding the warning, several travelers told Ynetnews.com.
"Israelis don't really care about the warnings, and those who are already in Egypt usually don't return," an Israeli security guard at the Egyptian border crossing said.
One tourist said, "We know Sinai is safer than Israel," a sentiment echoed by two others who told Ynetnew.com: "We have nothing to fear. We're just going to the casino in Taba and it's safe there."
The terror alert warning Israelis to steer clear of Sinai was issued in April.
Egyptian security officials, meanwhile, said more than two dozen suspected terrorists were detained in recent days. Sources told the Palestinian Ma'an News Agency the suspects were planning to target peacekeeping forces in the Sinai and Israeli tourists.
