Qaradi: We know of general threats
Photo: Ahiya Raved
Security forces will deploy themselves in great numebrs around the major cities, rail and bus stations, and highways across the country on the eve of the new year, said police chief Moshe Qaradi.
"This new year's holiday, like in previous years, will see the police and army cooperate for maximum security preparations in city centers, entertainment venues, and the green line, and the suburbs of Jerusalem," he said.
Qaradi added that the police had "general warnings" of terrorist attacks. He was speaking during a new year's toasting ceremony at the Jerusalem's police national headquarters.
Along with raising the alert level to highest, security forces continued the closure placed on the West Bank and Gaza which began during Operation First Rain, and said that the closure would remain in effect until Yom Kippur. The security establishment is aware of 55 general alerts of intentions by terror groups to carry out terror attacks.
Deployment
On Monday evening, New Year's Eve, security forces will deploy around synagogues and on intercity highways. Transport police will place many police officers on the crowded roads.
The IDF will increase the number of checkpoints in Judea and Samaria, and will continue its encirclement of Nobles.
Meanwhile, the Counter Terror Bureau has warned of intentions by terror organizations to kidnaps Israeli tourists on the Sinai beaches over the high holidays. The Bureau warned against any travel to Egypt and told Israelis to stay away from Sinai in a severe travel advisory statement.