Despite several warnings to refrain from vacationing in Egypt, Israelis flocked to hotels in Sinai during the past month's holidays. Some 12,000 Israelis were in Sinai for Rosh HaShanah, according to an Israeli Television report at the time, and it is assumed that even more arrived over the Sukkot holiday.
The intelligence warnings issued some three weeks ago were later reported to have been withdrawn following the liquidation of a terror cell in Gaza. In any event, it appears that the attacks of last night were not connected with the warnings.
Justice Minister Yosef (Tommy) Lapid, leader of the Shinui party, was asked this morning about his "ridicule" of the GSS warnings of three weeks ago. He responded angrily that this was a "coarse lie." He said that he had merely asked GSS Chief Avi Dichter, after the warnings were issued, if they were not exaggerated. It was reported at the time that he had added that the warnings may have unnecessarily upset holiday plans for thousands of Israelis.
MK Yaakov Margi (Shas) today protested Lapid's version of the events. He said that Lapid had openly mocked the GSS warnings, and that "many people who follow Lapid listened to his tone... He owes an apology to Dichter, as well as to the families who have, unfortunately, reached the situation they're in now."
The intelligence warnings issued some three weeks ago were later reported to have been withdrawn following the liquidation of a terror cell in Gaza. In any event, it appears that the attacks of last night were not connected with the warnings.
Justice Minister Yosef (Tommy) Lapid, leader of the Shinui party, was asked this morning about his "ridicule" of the GSS warnings of three weeks ago. He responded angrily that this was a "coarse lie." He said that he had merely asked GSS Chief Avi Dichter, after the warnings were issued, if they were not exaggerated. It was reported at the time that he had added that the warnings may have unnecessarily upset holiday plans for thousands of Israelis.
MK Yaakov Margi (Shas) today protested Lapid's version of the events. He said that Lapid had openly mocked the GSS warnings, and that "many people who follow Lapid listened to his tone... He owes an apology to Dichter, as well as to the families who have, unfortunately, reached the situation they're in now."