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Photo: Tzvika Tishler
IDF raises alert level for fear of kidnappings
Following last week's attempt to kidnap officer in Jerusalem, commanders instructed to brief soldiers once again on hitchhiking prohibition
Following a security assessment by the General Staff, the IDF has raised its alert level for fear of possible attempts by terror groups to kidnap soldiers.
Security officials said Wednesday's incident in which Arabs tried to kidnap an Israel Air Force officer near Jerusalem's Malcha Mall underlined the need to raise the alert level and prevent the abduction of a soldier on Israeli soil.
To this end, IDF commanders were instructed to brief their soldiers once again on the prohibition regarding hitchhiking and make sure they offer them the safest possible way to get home.
As part of the effort to enforce the hitchhiking prohibition, undercover Military Police officers will offer unsuspecting soldiers rides at hitchhiking posts throughout the country. Soldiers who are caught hitchhiking will be tried within 72 hours and face jail time.
