The assassination of Imad Mughniyeh
Photo: AFP
Israeli missions raise alert level
Foreign Ministry says four embassies may be closed over recent 'irregular incidents' in backdrop of Mughniyeh assassination anniversary. Alertness level raised to maximum in Israeli missions abroad
The Foreign Ministry announced Tuesday that "a number of irregular incidents targeting Israeli destinations were recorded in the past few days." It was also stated that the relevant elements have been contacted and alertness levels were raised to the highest level as a result.
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It was also announced that four Israeli missions may be closed due to recent threats. No word has been given as to which of the missions are under threat but the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem noted that it had contacted the relevant elements around the world.
It is estimated that raising the alertness level comes in direct response to the the third anniversary of the death of Hezbollah senior official Imad Mughniyeh.
Last week, the Counter Terrorism Bureau warned that the threat against Israelis abroad had increased with special emphasis put on Egypt, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia, the Ivory Coast, Mali, Mauritania and Venezuela.
In addition, the bureau also mentioned the elimination of former Hezbollah Secretary General Abbas Mousawi, who was killed by Israel in 1992. The bureau recommended that Israelis travelling abroad avoid places where large groups of Israelis can be found and obey local security forces' directives.
World's senior terrorist
Mughniyeh, Hezbollah's senior operations officer, was assassinated in Damascus three years ago when a bomb exploded in his jeep. At the time, he was considered the world's most senior terrorist, who was on the most wanted list of many of the world's intelligence services.
Mughniyeh was a link between Hezbollah and Iran and was thought to be behind the terror attacks against Israel's embassy and the Jewish center in Buenos Aires in 1994.
Following his assassination, Hezbollah vowed to avenge his death. The organization's leaders announced they give themselves leave to respond where and when they see fit.
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