Despite the apparent decrease in terrorism over the past weeks, a nationwide
terrorism alert remains in effect. According to security establishment
officials, the relative quiet is misleading, as terrorist organizations are
continuing efforts to perpetrate a major attack.
Israeli police have also been on alert and are preparing for other types of
anti-Israel violence. Last week, following Islamic prayer services on the
Temple Mount in Jerusalem, Arab youths began throwing objects at police on
Sultan Suleiman Street. Police used teargas to restore order. This week,
hoping to prevent violence, police limited Friday worship on the Temple
Mount to those Moslems 40 years old or older. In addition, police
reinforcements were deployed throughout the Old City today (Friday), in
order to preempt possible violence. Friday worship by Moslems in Jerusalem
has become a focal point and frequent spark for anti-Israel rioting in the
capital.
Israeli police are also gearing up for what the Arabs call Land Day, on
Sunday. Land Day marks another occasion for possible Arab verbal and
physical violence directed against Israeli sovereignty, as represented by
the police force. Since 1976, when Arab rioting in the Galilee led to the
deaths of six Arabs, Land Day, March 30th, has been synonymous with
Arab-Israeli anti-government demonstrations and clashes. Oftentimes, it has
been accompanied by "sympathetic" violence on the part of Arab terrorists in
Judea, Samaria and Gaza.
As for the ongoing struggle against PLO-backed terrorism, IDF soldiers have been continuing to carry out arrests, confiscate weapons and eliminate terrorist gunmen in the Palestinian Authority. During the night, Israeli soldiers arrested five PA residents from the Hevron district for their involvement in terrorist activities. In Khan Yunis, IDF troops uncovered a weapons manufacturing plant, blocks of explosives, a Kalashnikov rifle, bullets, grenades, and an anti-tank rocket launcher. And in Tul Karem, a terrorist was killed in a shootout with IDF soldiers. There were no injuries
reported to the Israelis.
terrorism alert remains in effect. According to security establishment
officials, the relative quiet is misleading, as terrorist organizations are
continuing efforts to perpetrate a major attack.
Israeli police have also been on alert and are preparing for other types of
anti-Israel violence. Last week, following Islamic prayer services on the
Temple Mount in Jerusalem, Arab youths began throwing objects at police on
Sultan Suleiman Street. Police used teargas to restore order. This week,
hoping to prevent violence, police limited Friday worship on the Temple
Mount to those Moslems 40 years old or older. In addition, police
reinforcements were deployed throughout the Old City today (Friday), in
order to preempt possible violence. Friday worship by Moslems in Jerusalem
has become a focal point and frequent spark for anti-Israel rioting in the
capital.
Israeli police are also gearing up for what the Arabs call Land Day, on
Sunday. Land Day marks another occasion for possible Arab verbal and
physical violence directed against Israeli sovereignty, as represented by
the police force. Since 1976, when Arab rioting in the Galilee led to the
deaths of six Arabs, Land Day, March 30th, has been synonymous with
Arab-Israeli anti-government demonstrations and clashes. Oftentimes, it has
been accompanied by "sympathetic" violence on the part of Arab terrorists in
Judea, Samaria and Gaza.
As for the ongoing struggle against PLO-backed terrorism, IDF soldiers have been continuing to carry out arrests, confiscate weapons and eliminate terrorist gunmen in the Palestinian Authority. During the night, Israeli soldiers arrested five PA residents from the Hevron district for their involvement in terrorist activities. In Khan Yunis, IDF troops uncovered a weapons manufacturing plant, blocks of explosives, a Kalashnikov rifle, bullets, grenades, and an anti-tank rocket launcher. And in Tul Karem, a terrorist was killed in a shootout with IDF soldiers. There were no injuries
reported to the Israelis.