Security beefed up across the country ahead of holidays

Thousands of police, soldiers and volunteers deployed Sunday ahead of the two-day New Year’s holiday starting Sunday evening.

The security forces took up positions at possible flashpoints, including the Old City of Jerusalem, settlements across the Green Line, malls, synagogues, and parks.

However, as opposed to previous years, the Israel Defense Forces did not place extra restrictions on freedom of movement for Palestinian in the West Bank. The decision not to impose a closure, taken by Defense Minister Ehud Barak, was made in light of a security evaluation by the army’s central command.

Speaking to Channel 2 on Saturday night, top Defense Ministry official Amos Gilad said the holiday period was expected to be quiet for Israel, “if you discount events like some maniac or hateful film that roils the entire world.”