Security officials have issued a severe warning of a terrorist attack in the Sinai Peninsula, a favorite tourist attraction for many Israelis.
In order to combat Palestinian Authority terrorism directed at Jewish holiday celebrations in Israel, the PA-controlled areas of Judea and Samaria are under a general security closure until after the week of Passover. Christians marking Easter will receive special consideration.
The IDF regards Jewish holidays as a period of heightened threat levels. Accordingly, the IDF has increased its alertness in order to ensure the safety of Israeli civilians, "while preserving, to the best of its ability, the daily life of the Palestinian population," according to the IDF Spokesperson's Office.
During a general closure, PA residents are unauthorized to cross into Israeli jurisdictions and security measures along areas abutting the PA are bolstered. For the duration of the closure, the IDF said, those in need will be permitted to pass through in order to receive medical care in Israeli facilities. Additionally, the passage of humanitarian aid into the PA areas, as well as doctors, medical personnel, NGO members, lawyers, religious workers and additional professional groups will be authorized by the IDF's District Coordination and Liaison offices. Commercial crossings will remain open for the passage of supplies into Judea and Samaria.
In a special exception to the closure, the IDF and the Civil Administration initiated a series of measures aimed at facilitating religious pilgrimage for Christians celebrating Easter in Israel and the PA. The leniencies went into effect April 1 and will continue until May 15. The goodwill measures include approval for unlimited entrance of Christians from Judea and Samaria into Israeli jurisdictions during the holiday, as well as streamlined procedures for the entry of worshippers, organized tours, religious workers and media personnel into Bethlehem and Jericho.
The general closure on PA areas began just before midnight on Monday and will be lifted on Saturday, April 18, at 11:59 p.m. The lifting of the closure will be carried out in accordance with security assessments, IDF sources emphasized. Additionally, starting Wednesday morning, the first day of Passover, the Allenby Bridge border crossing between Israel and Jordan will be closed for 24 hours. PA sources said they were informed that the crossing will open again on Thursday.