Counter-terror officials are becoming increasingly concerned, repeating over and over again that all Israelis in Sinai, some 250-300, should leave immediately. Unfortunately, most Israelis in Sinai are signaling that terror alerts are not a new phenomenon and they do not appear ready to curtail their vacation.
Credible information received by IDF intelligence, the ISA (Israel Security Agency � Shin Bet) and the Mossad, with all concurring, that terrorists operating in Sinai are indeed planning to abduct Israelis to bring them to Hamas-controlled Gaza.
Counter-terror officials and Defense Minister Ehud Barak stated there may be times in the future when one may safely travel to Sinai, but Barak stated, �Today is not the time and all Israelis must return home now.�
Israel is prohibited from closing the Taba Crossing to Egypt as per the peace treaty signed with Israel. The IDF however has issued a directive to all personnel, officers and enlisted personnel, compulsory service personnel, career officers and non-commissioned officers, and civilian employees, stating all prohibited from traveling to Sinai until the current terror alert is lifted.
(Yechiel Spira � YWN Israel)
