Israeli security forces are on high alert across the country after receiving 10 terror warnings ahead of the traditional Jewish holiday of Shavuot on Wednesday, local daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported Tuesday.
The warnings refer to suicide bombings, rocket fire from Gaza, and the planting of explosive devices in northern Samaria by Hamas and the Islamic Jihad (Holy War).
Israeli security establishments have imposed closure on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, which will not be lifted until defense officials make decision in accordance with security intelligence after the end of the holiday on Wednesday evening.
The police forces were deployed in crowded places, including markets, and hitchhiking posts. The activity will focus on the seam line area surrounding Jerusalem and within major cities. As many Israelis are expected to visit parks and recreational facilities, police force will also be deployed in these places Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Israeli soldiers found an explosive device Tuesday morning in a Palestinian car at a checkpoint near the West Bank town of Qalqiliya. Sappers defused the device safely.
In response to heightened Qassam fire by the Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, Israel has carried out air raids in Gaza, targeting Hamas and other militant groups responsible for the rocket attacks.
A 32-year-old Israeli woman was killed and two others wounded on Monday evening when a rocket hit a vehicle near a bakery in the southern town of Sderot. |