Police on highest state of alert across country
Israel Police and Prison Service raise state of alert following complication of naval raid on flotilla to Gaza. Police to block roads, prevent entrance to Temple Mount
The police raised their state of alert across the country, after the naval raid on the aid flotilla to Gaza got out of hand, leading to injuries and fatalities. In addition, the Foreign Ministry urged all Israelis staying in Turkey or planning to travel to the country, to return to Israel or cancel their trip.
The decision to raise the state of alert was reached after a joint evaluation by Internal Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch and Police Commissioner Dudi Cohen. The transportation department will block different roads and routes, including the Wadi Ara and Temple Mount area.
Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman will hold an emergency meeting on Monday morning at his office in Jerusalem. The Foreign Ministry plans to call on Israeli tourists in Turkey to return to Israel immediately.
Israel will also demand that Ankara take responsibility for all Israelis staying in the country. Foreign Ministry Director-General Yossi Gal will brief the foreign ambassadors at 12 pm on Monday, after Deputy Foreign Minister Daniel Ayalon briefs the foreign media.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry reported that at least two people were killed and 30 injured in an Israel Defense Forces operation in high seas, while unofficial sources reported 14 killed and 50 injured. Two of the wounded who arrived at Rambam Medical Center are soldiers.
Al Jazeera network reported that Turkey warned Israel of "unprecedented consequences." The network also reported a series of anti-Israel protests were taking place throughout the country. Protests were reported in front of the Israeli consulate in Istanbul and the Israeli embassy and the ambassador's house in Ankara.
