Security forces on high alert for Purim
Israel Police, IDF increase security measures across country ahead of holiday celebrations; full closure imposed on West Bank, Gaza Strip. Defense establishment currently holds eight concrete warnings, more than 70 general warnings on terror organizations' plans to carry out attack
The police were on high alert across the country Friday morning ahead of the holiday celebrations. The defense establishment currently holds eight concrete warnings and more than 70 general warnings on terrorists' plans to carry out attacks.
"We want the public to go out, to celebrate and to participate in events. Thousands of police officers and soldiers will secure the events, in a joint operation with the Shin Bet," he added.
Children and teenagers arrived in kindergartens and schools dressed up in their Purim costumes Friday morning, and the events will continue for the next three days.
The security forces' high alert followed the Israel Defense Forces and the Border Guards' operation in the territories this week and the terror attack thwarted in Tel Aviv 10 days ago.
Terror organizations have attempted to carry out attacks in Purim in the past, and have succeeded more than once. In 1996, 13 people were killed in a suicide bombing in Tel Aviv.
Purim celebrations (Archive photo: Shaul Golan)
"The Purim celebrations began yesterday evening. We have deployed forces in all areas, focusing on the Friday prayers in the Temple Mount, in light of the high tensions over the Mugrabi Hill (excavation works)," Major-General Ohayon said.
"We told Police Commissioner Moshe Karadi that we recommend imposing a closure on the West Bank and Gaza. The issue was also raised in discussions with Internal Security Minister Avi Dichter. Yesterday, we presented the request again to Defense Minister Amir Peretz, and all security organizations were in favor of a full closure on the West Bank and Gaza until Monday night," he added.
In his weekly consultation meeting with IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi and other defense officials, Peretz heard that terror organizations' motivation to carry out terror attacks is particularly high during Israeli holidays as they find this symbolic.
In spite of the warnings, Ohayon called on the public to go out and celebrate. "We want as many people as possible to take part in the events and parties. We will do all we can for the events to end peacefully."
Avi Cohen and Hanan Greenberg contributed to the report
