Entrenched defences approximately on the lines held Defending at the end of the second battle were strengthened Cause_change_of_strength , and both sides undertook Action regular mounted reconnaissances into the open eastern flank .

Patrols and reconnaissances Scrutiny were carried out Military_operation by British forces , to protect the continuing construction of the railway and water pipeline and to deny Preventing_or_letting passage across the Sinai desert to the Ottoman forces by destroying Destroying water cisterns and wells .