Border Guard troops on patrol (archive)
Photo: AP
Police on high alert for Hanukkah
Security forces deploy in cities, parks, entertainment centers as holiday commences, officers to increase presence on highways and outside clubs
As in every year, police have declared a state of high alert throughout Israel with the commencement of Hanukkah
The special deployment came into effect on Sunday, and will last until the school vacations end next week. The defense establishment confirmed it is currently monitoring six specific terror plot alerts, along with dozens of general alerts. Terror organizations have long put an emphasis on carrying out attacks particularly during holiday seasons.
Police will erect mobile roadblocks at various points to detect suspicious vehicles or people, particularly at city entrance points.
There will also be more stringent monitoring of military checkpoints in the Palestinian Authority as well as international border crossings.
Thousands of police officers from all districts, reinforced by Border Guard troops and volunteers from the Civil Guard, will spread out in population centers both in uniform and undercover. They will focus on city centers, markets, recreation arenas, parts and entertainment centers – putting an emphasis on the traditional holiday events.
Protection efforts will also be coupled with increased enforcement. Traffic Police, in conjunction with volunteers and the police helicopter unit, will patrol the main routes and work to prevent the anticipated congestion.
Traffic Police units are also preparing to crack down on drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Investigators will also be reinforced with the commencement of the vacation period, as there is concern of teenage violence and vandalism.
The day before schools will reopen their gates, bomb squads are to comb the buildings and grounds for possible explosive devices.
Speaking at the menorah lighting ceremony at the residence of President Shimon Peres on Sunday evening, Police Commissioner Dudi Cohen said: "There is no other police force in the world that faces such a variety of challenges and complexities."
