The Israel Defense Forces, Border Guards and police departments raised alert levels this week, beginning before the Passover holiday, which started Monday night. As in past years, the nation's intelligence services indicate a higher motivation among Palestinian Authority terrorists to strike at Israeli civilian targets during the holiday, when there are large public and private gatherings throughout the country. In light of general warnings of planned terrorist attacks, increased military and police security measures are to continue throughout the week-long holiday. Police Chief Moshe Karadi instructed police departments nationwide to increase preventative and protective measures in public areas. Among other efforts, thousands of police and volunteers are deployed at and around synagogues, shopping centers, markets, hotels, bus and hitchhiking stations, as well as places of entertainment. For their part, the IDF and Border Guards are reinforcing their presence along areas bordering territory under Palestinian Authority jurisdiction and at military checkpoints. As part of the increased counter-terrorism measures, Israel imposed a general closure on the PA areas of Judea, Samaria and Gaza. The closure, which was imposed Saturday night, will continue at least though the week-long Passover holiday. After that time, the government and military will consider lifting the closure, in light of the prevailing security situation. Thousands of police and volunteers are deployed at and around synagogues and other public areas. Official IDF sources said that, despite the closure and strict regime at the checkpoints in Judea and Samaria, medical and humanitarian emergency cases will be considered. Similarly, workers for international humanitarian organizations, lawyers, medical professionals, religious clerics, and certain others will be allowed exceptional freedom of movement during the closure. However, each case will require prior approval arranged through the IDF office for coordination with the PA. IDF Makes Special Arrangements for Christian Holidays In addition to, and parallel with, increased counter-terrorism deployment in Judea, Samaria and along the border with the Gaza Strip, the IDF has made special arrangements to accommodate the Christian holidays falling during the month of April. Among other measures, the security services have decided to allow thousands of Christian PA residents of Judea, Samaria and Gaza to enter pre-1967 Israel for extended family visits, including overnight stays. Similarly, Israeli citizens will be allowed to legally enter PA-controlled Jericho and Bethlehem for religious ceremonies or family gatherings. Entry to Gaza for Israelis may also be arranged, depending on the security situation at the time. In addition, special consideration will be afforded Christian religious clerics at IDF checkpoints and crossings.
