Closure (Archive)
Photo: AP
Yom Kippur: Full closure in territories
Internal security minister says closure will be imposed on territories due to many terror warnings. Security forces on high alert, to boost security at synagogues, cemeteries
The defense establishment is set to go on high alert ahead of Yom Kippur, and full closure will be imposed on the Gaza Strip and the West Bank as of Sunday morning. The defense establishment has 17 specific alerts regarding terror groups' plans to carry out terror attacks in Israel, including suicide bombings, shootings, rocket fire and kidnappings.
On Friday, Internal Security Minister Avi Dichter said that the number of terror alerts is relatively high, and that it has therefore been decided to place closure on the territories until after the holiday. Dichter said that the warnings were real and imminent, and that security forces will do their best to prevent them from materializing.
In the framework of the high state of alert, thousands of policemen, Border Guard officers and Civil Guard volunteers will deploy across the country, mainly in the seam line area and around Jerusalem. The operations on Sunday will focus on cemeteries, open markets and bus stations.
In the evening, security around synagogues will also be reinforced, when the prayers commence. In Jerusalem, police will prevent the movement of vehicles from the eastern to the western side of town until the end of the holiday. Police are preparing for the arrival of thousands of worshippers to the Western Wall and will boost security in the place as well.
