Memorial ceremony (Archive photo)
Photo: Reuters
IDF imposes full closure on West Bank ahead of IDF memorial day
Barak orders army to seal off territories in light of specific warnings regarding possible terror attack attempts on remembrance, independence days; 1.5 million Israelis expected at memorial ceremonies
In light of recent security assessments, Defense Minister Ehud Barak has instructed the IDF Tuesday night to impose a full closure on the West Bank ahead of the Remembrance Day for the Fallen of Israel's Wars.
The closure will continue throughout the Independence Day celebrations on Wednesday and will be lifted Thursday night barring any unforeseen security developments.
A similar closure imposed ahead Holocaust Remembrance Day was lifted on Friday. During the closure the passage of Palestinians was permitted only in humanitarian cases.
The security establishment has received a number of specific warnings and dozens of general ones regarding possible attempts by terror organizations, particularly in northern Samaria, to carry out suicide bombings and kidnappings. The warnings also relate to the possible terror attacks emanating from Gaza.
Israel's military intelligence chief, Major-General Amos Yadlin recently warned cabinet that Palestinian terror groups are looking to carry out "quality" attacks on Independence Day, which may include an attempt at kidnapping a soldier.
A siren marking the beginning of Remembrance Day will be heard throughout the country on Tuesday at 8 pm. The main Remembrance Day memorial ceremony will take place at the Western Wall and will be attended by President Shimon Peres, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi and Nahal Brigade commander Brig.-Gen. Miki Edelstein.
Another siren will be heard on Wednesday at 11 am, after which state memorial ceremonies will be held at 43 military cemeteries and near the memorial for the fallen Bedouin soldiers. Over 1.5 million Israelis are expected to attend the ceremonies.
Israel will also be honoring the 1,634 Israelis who were killed in terror attacks since the country's caption.
