Police set up roadblocks across southern Israel over security threat
Army Radio reports possible infiltration from Gaza; Negev residents told to be alert for suspicious objects or people
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Police set up roadblocks across southern Israel Wednesday night over an undisclosed security threat, advising area residents to remain alert to anything suspicious.
Army Radio reported that security precautions were being put in place following an intelligence tip that there might have been an infiltration of a person or persons from the Gaza Strip.
A police spokesperson said officers had been dispatched along roads and were setting up checkpoints along with soldiers and volunteers across the Negev region in the south of the country.
A police statement said the move was made after a “security alert,” but did not give any more details.
“At this point, there are no special instructions for the public, and they can continue to go about their lives, but should be alert to suspicious people or objects,” the statement from police spokesperson Luba Samri read.
The alert comes days after tensions in southern Israel spiked, following a rocket attack from Gaza on the border town of Sderot, and a large Israeli bombardment of sites belonging to the Hamas terror group in the Strip in response.
Both Israel and Hamas have signaled since the Sunday exchange that they are seeking a return to a tense calm that has been maintained along the border since a 2014 war ended.
Israeli officials have also in recent months ramped up efforts to patch up holes in the security barrier between Israel and the southern West Bank, saying the gaps in the fence constitute a security threat.
The Times of Israel Community.