Last update - 00:00 22/09/2006
Security forces impose closure, go on alert for New Year holiday
By Roni Singer-Heruti, Haaretz Correspondent, and Haaretz Service
The Israel Defense Forces imposed a closure Friday on the West Bank and Gaza Strip to prevent Palestinians from entering Israel during the Rosh Hashanah holiday weekend.
Security forces imposed the closure and went on high alert in light of nonspecific warnings of terror attacks during the Jewish New Year, which begins at sundown Friday.
The closure is due to remain in place at least until Sunday night, when the holiday ends. The IDF said it will make an exception for humanitarian situations and will allow medical workers, teachers and lawyers to cross the border, subject to permission from the liaison authorities, Israel Radio reported. The IDF said it gave 3,000 Palestinians permits to enter Israel to harvest olives.
Meanwhile, thousands of security forces personnel were stationed across the country in city centers, markets, malls, bus stations and other public places Friday morning.
Police presence was also bolstered around synagogues and cemeteries. Permanent checkpoints will be manned and temporary checkpoints will also be set up. Extra police will also be deployed to deal with the expected traffic tie-ups.
Seven IDF troops hurt in Nablus raid
Seven IDF soldiers were wounded, one moderately and the rest lightly, in clashes with Palestinians during a pre-dawn arrest raid in the West Bank city of Nablus on Friday.
Armed militants threw three explosive devices and several firebombs at the troops, Israel Radio reported.
Two militants, from Islamic Jihad and Fatah, were arrested during the raid, and 10 other wanted Palestinians were arrested across the West Bank before dawn Friday.
In Nablus' Balata refugee camp, the troops wounded a Palestinian gunman who had opened fire on them.