J'lem police lower alert over suspected terrorist infiltration

Police in Jerusalem went on high alert Wednesday, after receiving warning that a terrorist had infiltrated the capital. The alert was lifted by early afternoon, police said, without providing further details.

While the alert was in effect, police beefed up security checks at the entrance to the city, and special patrol units were deployed in and around Jerusalem, police said. The Israeli rescue service said it raised its alert in the Jerusalem area to its highest level, doubling the number of staff and ambulances on call.

The most recent attack in Jerusalem occurred about one month ago, when a Palestinian gunman opened fire in the Mercaz Harav yeshiva, killing eight students and wounding nine others.

Last week, the Tel Aviv region was placed on a similar alert, which was lowered several hours later, following the arrests of four Palestinians.

Israel is currently undergoing its largest civilian defense drill, which on Tuesday saw sirens sounding across the country.