IDF on high alert for 'Al-Quds Day'

Palestinians prepare to mark day IDF seized control of east Jerusalem; IDF, police remain on high alert on northern border, Jerusalem

Ynet reporters|Published: 06.07.11 , 00:46

The IDF is on high alert ahead of "Al-Quds Day" - the day marking Israel's capture of east Jerusalem during the Six Day War following Sunday's "Naksa Day" clashes on the Syrian border in which 23 protestors were killed.

Meanwhile, IDF forces on the northern front have been instructed to continue acting resolutely against any attempt to infiltrate the border and harm local infrastructure.

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IDF elements noted that army policy in the northern border will may adopt a harsher stance if there are attempts to harm Israeli sovereignty. "The Syrian government is responsible for recent incidents," they stressed.

"Today senior Palestinian factions in Syria were already expressing resentment over the cynical use of Palestinians sent to risk their lives on the Israeli border."

The IDF is planning to place additional obstacles and defensive measures which will prevent Syrian protestors from reaching the border.

Elements within the IDF noted that the barbed wire fence placed last week on the "Shouting Hill" in Majdal Shams proved itself useful at stopping the protestors.

Touring the northern border on Monday, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Benny Gantz reviewed the latest preparations. It is estimated that the IDF will, over the next few days, formulate various options for deploying obstacles throughout the border region to prevent protestors from progressing.

Jerusalem ready for clashes

During the tour the Gantz instructed commanders and soldiers to maintain a high level of preparedness.

Jerusalem District police is also preparing to deal with any eventuality and all forms of riots and clashes by reinforcing the local forces. Police are maintaining the high level of alert declared on "Naksa Day" which will continue throughout the Shavuot holiday.

Meanwhile, Magen David Adom has decreased its alert level from level two to level one, which is its regular level of alertness.

Hanan Greenberg, Yair Altman and Omri Efraim contributed to this report