The security establishment is expected to impose a full closure on the West Bank and Gaza on Tuesday ahead of the Purim festivities, this after the Shin Bet security service received seven warnings regarding possible attempts by terror organizations to carry out attacks over the holiday.
Israel
is particularly fearful of a possible attack by Hizbullah
to mark 40 days since the assassination
of the Shiite group's top commander, Imad Mugniyah, in Damascus. Other warnings relate to a possible attempt by Hamas to launch a terror attack in Israel during the holiday, which begins Thursday.
The security establishment also fears Palestinian terror groups may launch rocket attacks on Sderot, Ashkelon and other Israeli communities near Gaza as they celebrate the holiday. These communities have received instructions to limit the festivities to a minimum.
"Any Israeli holiday is a sensitive period, as terror groups' motivation to launch attacks is especially high during this time," a senior security official said. "Therefore, the alert level of the entire security establishment will be very high."
Police Chief Dudi Cohen has ordered units all across the country to heighten their alert level beginning Thursday. The alert level will be raised to level-3, just one below the highest, for the duration of the holiday. Thousands of officers and volunteers will beef up security at entertainment hubs and population centers.
Meanwhile, police are also planning to crack down on drunk drivers during the holiday.
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