Lapid orders forces to remain on high alert after Shin Bet briefing

Prime Minister Yair Lapid is ordering Israeli security forces to remain in an enhanced state of readiness after a meeting with Shin Bet security agency chief Ronen Bar in Tel Aviv.

During the meeting, Lapid received an intelligence and operational briefing on events in the West Bank, including army operations, a statement from his office says.

“The prime minister emphasized that the policy is to constantly act to defuse terror in all areas, especially the Gaza, Judea and Samaria arenas,” the statement says, referring to Gaza and the West Bank. “This is a necessary requisite for being able to keep normal routines and strengthening security for residents.”

Palestinians clash with Israeli security forces in the West Bank city of Jenin on September 28, 2022. (Nasser Ishtayeh/Flash90)

Police and army have been on heightened alert since last week amid the Jewish holiday season, with tensions already higher due to an Israeli anti-terror offensive that has seen dozens of Palestinians killed and more arrested in near-nightly raids in the West Bank.

Israel says nearly all of those killed were either wanted terrorists or actively engaged in fighting Israeli forces.