Israel to Close Off West Bank Amid Terror Fears
Israeli security forces secure the scene of a reported Palestinian shooting attack at a checkpoint near the Beit El settlement, close to West Bank city of Ramallah, on January 31, 2016. Image by Getty Images
Israel is closing off the West Bank for the start of Passover amid fears of further terrorist attacks after a bus bombing in Jerusalem that wounded 20.
The closure will begin Thursday night and last through Saturday night.
Israel has “warnings, although not concrete” about terrorist attacks planned for the coming days, Israel’s Channel 10 reported, according to . Israel is concerned about increased visits by Jews to the Temple Mount site during the eight-day Passover holiday, which begins at sundown Friday.
The Shin Bet said six people had been arrested in a manhunt conducted after Monday’s bus bombing. The attack was carried out by 19-year-old Palestinian Abed al-Hamid Abu Srour from the refugee camp al-Ayda near Bethlehem, the security service said.
Some of those arrested are from Bethlehem and are affiliated with Hamas, Channel 10 reported. Their names are under a gag order.
Six Israelis wounded in Monday’s attack remain hospitalized, including a teenage girl in serious condition.
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