Closure on territories ahead of Passover

A full security closure will be imposed on the West Bank and Gaza Strip as of Thursday night and for the duration of Passover. This as part of increased efforts on the part of security forces to combat numerous terror threats as the holiday approaches.  

In accordance with the decision made by Defense Minister Ehud Barak and the political echelon, entry into Israel from the West Bank will only be permitted on humanitarian grounds and after consideration is given to the current security assessment.

Police have also completed their deployment for the holiday after having raised the alert level throughout the country on Wednesday. The defense establishment cites nine specific alerts based on intelligence information warning of viable terror plots. The alert level will be in effect through the end of May, due to the holidays and a series of events related to Israel’s 60th anniversary celebrations.

Thousands of police officers, Border Guard officers and Civil Guard volunteers are being dispatched throughout the country, while Police Commissioner Dudi Cohen cancelled all the vacations and trainings toward the effort. The deployment is centered around three main areas, from the Seam Line to the area surrounding Jerusalem and into major cities and population centers.

 “I urge the Israeli people to go out and celebrate. We’re working hard so that Israeli citizens can do so with a strong sense of security,” head of operations at the National Police Headquarters, Major General Yoram Ochayon, told ynet.

Once Passover is over, police will begin preparations for the Holocaust Remembrance Day events and ceremonies, which will be followed by Remembrance Day for the fallen IDF soldiers.

Numerous events will take place on the eve of Independence Day – the major one being the ‘Lighting up Israel’s Skies’ project by the Ministerial Committee marking 60 years of independence.