In the summer of 1973 , Libyan Arab Airlines Flight 114 accidentally flew over the Sinai . It was intercepted by the IAF and ordered to land but refused and was subsequently shot down . IAF high command feared this might lead to a reprisal against El-Al aircraft en route to South Africa and back and therefore maintained fighter aircraft on quick reaction alert ( QRA ) at Ofir . These aircraft were also meant to counter the threat posed to the small Israeli Navy Red Sea flotilla and the Hawk missile batteries guarding the Red Sea straits from Egyptian MiGs at Hurghada . Base commander at the time was Ya'acov ' Yak ' Nevo
Libyan Arab Airlines Flight 114
Libyan Arab Airlines Flight 114
Ofira Air Battle