Yassin assassination: Israel on high alert in fear of retaliatory attacks

Published March 23rd, 2004 - 03:00 GMT

Israeli forces, including police, were on a high alert on Tuesday and were expected to remain so for at least two weeks in the wake of Israel's assassination of Hamas founder and leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin.

Israel's Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz told security officials Monday evening to bolster security at Israeli embassies abroad and increase protection of public figures within the country, Army Radio reported. He also said Israel must continue to target "terror" leaders in the territories, according to the report.

Mofaz was speaking at a meeting he convened to reassess the Israel's readiness in light of a possible escalation of violence following the killing of Yassin. Earlier, Mofaz said that Israel was preparing for a new wave of Palestinian attacks.

The Israeli army went on heightened alert Monday at roadblocks and in the occupied territories after the assassination. All border crossings into Israel were closed to Palestinians, and a closure was clamped on the territories.

The police also went on alert inside Israel and beefed up their presence in major cities, fearing reprisals. (Albawaba.com)