IDF calls Yom Kippur closure on W. Bank

IDF imposes closure on West Bank, 300 police officers deployed in Akko with airship above site of riots in previous year

Reuters | Published: 09.17.10, 14:45

Security forces were on high alert on Yom Kippur eve, including closures in the West Bank and deployment of police officers in the mixed Jewish-Arab city of Akko.

The closure on Palestinian areas of the West Bank was imposed already on Thursday, even before the latest incident in which IDF forces killed senior Hamas member Iyad abu Shilbayeh. Hamas accused the Palestinian Authority of involvement and threatened to take revenge. The PA raised the security alert level in response.

The IDF is to cancel the closure on Saturday night, after Yom Kippur. Only humanitarian cases with a permit from the Civil Administration will be allowed through checkpoints during the closure.

Some 300 police officers were deployed in Akko on Yom Kippur eve to maintain order. The main entrance roads to the city were blocked completely from the north and east, and residents can enter only from the direction of the Hof Hatmarim Hotel. Deputy Police Commissioner Avi Adari said the Arab citizens entering the city would also be accompanied to ensure vehicles reached their destination safely.

The eastern neighborhood which was the site of riots in the past was completely closed to vehicles. A police command post was erected nearby and an airship will be situated above the neighborhood to observe movements. Police will be deployed near buildings with a mixed population and near the mosque in the north of the neighborhood. Police will also be deployed to prevent youngsters from taking advantage of the empty roads for car racing.

Akko saw riots two years ago when an Arab resident entered with a vehicle during the holiday and was confronted by other residents. Within a short time hundreds of Arabs came from the city's old quarter, and damaged vehicles, store windows and public property.