(dpa) - Fearing attacks, Israel will impose a closure on the Palestinian territories over the Jewish festival of Purim (Lots), an Israeli military spokesman in Tel Aviv said Tuesday, without giving further details.
Israeli media however reported that the closure would begin on Wednesday and last until Monday, March 24. Purim, which commemorates the biblical story of Esther, is celebrated from March 21 to March 23.
According to the reports, the Shin Bet internal intelligence service has received seven specific warnings of attacks planned to take place over the festival, and security forces have upped their readiness.
Concern is especially high this year, since the festival coincides with the end of the 40-day mourning period for Imad Mughniyeh, a Hezbollah leader whose death in a car bomb in Syria on February 12 was blamed on Israel. Hezbollah has sworn to avenge the killing.
Under the Israeli closure, Palestinians will be prevented from entering Israel.