Heightened state of alert announced over Rosh Hashana
Security establishment warns of potential terror attacks, closure imposed on West Bank, Gaza pending holiday's end. Jerusalem, highway police forces reinforced
The security establishment has announced Tuesday the highest state of alert throughout Israel over Rosh Hashana.
Military sources told Ynet that the security establishment had eight specific indications of potential terror attacks over the holiday, as well as dozens of general indications of possible shooting and rocket attacks, suicide bombings and kidnapping attempts.
Following Tuesday morning's Qassam attack on the western Negev military base of Zikim, and considering the onset of Islam's month of Ramadan, Defense Minister Ehud Barak decided to impose a full closure on the West Bank and the Gaza strip.
The closure will take effect early Wednesday morning, and will be in place until the end of Rosh Hashana, when it is to be reassessed.
Reinforced police presence
During the closure, large police forces are expected to patrol crowded public places, such as markets, shopping malls and bus stations. Come Wednesday evening, security forces are to shift their focus to synagogues.
Since Rosh Hashana and the beginning of Ramadan overlap, Jerusalem Police has been especially reinforced: Thousands of policemen will be deployed in the city's streets, assuring those who wish to pray at the Western Wall or Temple Mount are able to do so safely.
Heightened police presence will also be noticeable in recreational facilities. Highway police officers are also expected to boost their presence on the country's major roads and highways, keeping an eye out for drunk, drugged and speeding drivers.
The Highway Police will also deploy forces throughout Jerusalem and its Old City. It also formed tactical headquarters, headed by Jerusalem District Police Commander, Major-General Ilan Franco, near the Western Wall.
During Friday, the first Friday of Ramadan, security forces will allow Palestinian men over the age of 45 and Palestinian women 35 years and over entry to Temple Mount prayer services – providing they have the appropriate entry permits.
Alert has also been boosted at Israeli embassies and consulates abroad, particularly in security-sensitive countries and diplomatic staff members were instructed to stay on high alert. Similarly, security has been tightened around Jewish institutions and synagogues.
