Police on high alert for New Year's Eve
Thousands of policemen, civilian volunteers spread throughout country in preparation for New Year's celebrations. Officials estimate party-goers will be few due to stormy weather, date falling on weekday
Tens of thousands will celebrate the New Year at midnight on Sunday throughout Israel and security forces are bracing themselves for the events.
Thousands of police officers and volunteers from the Civil Guard will patrol party areas in all the major cities and along main traffic routes in an effort to prevent scuffles, drunk driving and traffic violations.
Police Commissioner Moshe Karadi has instructed police troops be reinforced until the end of celebrations for the commencement of 2007. Troops will form three rings of security for the evening: Starting at the national home-front level and tightening down to forces posted at the entrance to cities and inside population centers.
Police conducting breathalyzer test on New Year's Eve 2006 (Photo: Meir Ochayon)
The deployed police officers will employ permanent and mobile roadblocks, patrols, individual security checks and uniformed police presence near bars and clubs.
Police officers will also conduct random inspections of drinking establishments and 24-hour kiosks to ensure no alcohol is being sold to minors. Officials from the police national headquarters have already conducted inspections at entertainment sites, ensuring they have valid permits and security measures in place.
Security forces report seven concrete alerts for terror attacks inside Israel, as well as several dozen general alerts. Most threats emanate from northern Samaria and include suicide bombings, shooting attacks and attempts to kidnap Israelis.
