Israel on high alert ahead of Yom Kippur
Complete closure imposed on West Bank and Gaza, increased police presence and security forces deployment – all part of IDF, police preparations for 'holiest day' of year
Security forces will be standing by on Tuesday and Wednesday at cemeteries, synagogues and prayer sites and thousands of police officers will be fully deployed and stationed at city entrances, areas with large crowds and sensitive locations.
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The IDF has decided to impose a complete closure on the West Bank and Gaza Strip from midnight on Monday and through to Midnight on Wednesday night.
Haredim carry out 'Kaparot' tradition on eve of Yom Kippur
The IDF has that during the closure, passage will only be allowed in humanitarian and medical cases subject to the Civil Administration. "The IDF will continue to work to protect the citizens of the State of Israel while taking the fabric of daily Palestinian life into consideration," the IDF said.
Magen David Adom (MDA) is also on high alert ahead of the holiday due to concerns over an influx of injuries resulting from large crowds of people taking to the streets on their bicycles as well as people becoming ill while fasting.
Influx of bicycle injuries (Photo: Moti Kimchi)
MDA Director General Eli Bin directed regional managers to go to the highest alert level until the end of the Yom Kippur fast. MDA stations will be reinforced with additional paramedics, ambulances and intensive care vehicles. It is estimated that over 2,000 people will receive medical care during the fast.
Jerusalem District Police are being especially careful this year over the recent Muslim protests and the fallout over the anti-Islamic film.
Police, Border Guard officers and volunteers will be stationed at roadblocks in order to prevent traffic from the east to west side of the capital in order to prevent clashes between Jews and Arabs.
On high alert
Police stress that alternative traffic routes will be available to the residents of east Jerusalem.
Police will be deployed throughout the capital's shopping centers as well as in the Old City and east Jerusalem in order to maintain public order. Increased security is also expected on routes where worshippers are expected in order to prevent stone throwing incidents.
Tel Aviv will also be increasing police presence. In addition to security around the city's synagogues, hotels and certain neighborhoods in Yaffo will also have increased police presence.
Hospitals will continue to work over the Yom Kippur holiday but only emergency cases will be admitted. The emergency room, delivery rooms and ICU will be operating as usual.
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