Full closure of West Bank imposed
To remain in effect until end of Pesach; Despite relative calm, security services not taking any risks - entrance of Palestinians to be permitted only in humanitarian cases
A full closure on the West Bank has been imposed early Friday; it is expected to remain in effect until the end of the Pesach holiday.
During the holiday the entrance of Palestinians into the country would be permitted only in humanitarian-related cases.
The government decided to impose the closure in accordance with the IDF's assessment of the security situation on the eve of the holiday.
The Erez Crossing, through which some 4,500 Palestinian workers enter Israel from Gaza every day, will remain open.
Despite the relative calm, thousands of police officers, border police, civil guard volunteers and the IDF will take part in a wide-ranging operation to secure public celebrations and holiday goers celebrating Pesach around Israel.
Friday police and security forces will move to Level G alert, one below emergency level. Officers will be stationed along the Green Line, around Jerusalem, and amongst large concentrations of the public to ensure public safety and security.
Security officials have 60 concrete warnings of terror attempts during the holiday period.
"The police will to do everything in its power to ensure the whole country can enjoy the holiday safely and peacefully,” Police Commissioner Moshe Karadi said.
Roadblocks, inspections, awareness
Police will set up additional roadblocks, and carry out combing inspections of public areas. In addition, there will be an increased police presence at public events.
The increased activity will include cities, main traffic thoroughfares, prayer sites and entertainment venues. Police and civil guard volunteers will also ensure security at synagogues.
Public awareness
The police have issued instructions to hotels, malls, and other public places expected to draw large crowds to raise their level of security. Business owners have been asked to be alert, and to instruct their security guards to do so as well.
Police say that public awareness helps them carry out their duties, and not to hesitate to call police hotline 100 should they encounter any suspicious people, cars or suspicious objects.
