Hizbullah and Palestinian Authority terrorists are teaming up in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Egypt in an operation to kidnap Israelis who ignore the government’s warnings of an imminent attack, according to Israel’s counterterrorism bureau.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
It is the first time the Lebanon-based Hizbullah group has organized an operation on Egyptian territory, according to the source, who added that although it is rare to make such sensitive information public, the immediacy of the threat prompted officials to approve the announcement.
Despite repeated calls by the government’s counterterrorism bureau warning Israelis to leave the Sinai Peninsula immediately, the Foreign Ministry estimates that at least 200-300 Israelis are presently in the area.
“This is a specific and focused organization. This is a serious warning. We know what organizations and individuals are involved in the kidnapping, what their targets are and where they plan on transferring the captives,” the source told the Hebrew-language Haaretz newspaper.
The IDF has banned all travel to the Sinai Peninsula for its soldiers and any civilian employees as well. Defense Minister Ehud Barak urged all Israelis who have until now ignored the warnings to return immediately, saying “The threat [of an attack] is getting clearer and more concrete.”
The Red Sea resorts in the Sinai Peninsula are a traditional, inexpensive venue for Israelis who flock to the south during the holiday season.
However, Hizbullah has been threatening take revenge against Israel since the February assassination of its second-in-command, Imad Mughniyeh by kidnapping and murdering Israelis abroad. At least two attempted attacks have already been foiled by Israeli Mossad intelligence agents, and it is known that more terrorist operations are being planned by the group.
