Ahead of prisoner swap: IDF declares Rosh Hanikra area restricted military zone
Military lays temporary claim to tourist site at Rosh Hanikra in preparation for prisoner exchange deal between Israel, Hizbullah; sets up roadblocks, tents, communications center
Gearing up for the prisoner exchange deal: Dozens of IDF soldiers have been making the final preparations at Rosh Hanikra's border crossing Tuesday, ahead of Israel's prisoner swap with Hizbullah, which is scheduled to take place on Wednesday morning.
The IDF declared the area a restricted military zone on Tuesday night. The order will stay in effect until all stages of Wednesday's deal are completed.
Rosh Hanikra houses a popular tourist site, which was left undisturbed throughout the day, despite the IDF notification to its managers, that the ongoing army activity in the area may hinder business.
Those visiting the site were able to see IDF troops setting up roadblocks, fences, tents and sheds. The site's restaurant was turned into a communications headquarters.
The site's director general, Moshe Cohen, told Ynet that the military had notified him that the site's regular activities might be disrupted on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday:
"The IDF gives us daily updates about the situation and so far, we have experienced no disruptions," he said.
Rosh Hanikra's tourist site will not be operational on Wednesday due to the restricted military zone order placed on the area.
