Islamic terrorists launched rockets from Sinai, on the eve of Passover, two of which landed in southern Israel. ISIS has claimed responsibility.
A greenhouse was damaged, but there were no injuries when ISIS rockets slammed into southern Israel on Passover eve.
Authorities are prohibiting citizens from entering the Sinai Peninsula.
In wake of Monday’s rocket-launching, Israeli authorities closed the Taba Crossing into Sinai, urging all citizens to return home.
“Given the validity of the National Security Council Counter-Terrorism Bureau (NSCCTB), in light of the increased severity and immediacy of the threat, and in accordance with the approval of the political leadership, Transportation and Road Safety, and Intelligence, Minister Yisrael Katz—pursuant to his legal authority and in consultation with Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman and the relevant agencies—has decided not to allow the passage of Israeli nationals through the Menachem Begin Border Terminal (aka Taba Crossing) in the direction of Sinai, effective immediately until after Passover (April 18), and subject to assessments of the situation. It should be noted that the entry of Israeli citizens from Sinai back to Israel will be permitted,” the Prime Minister’s Office stated.
“Increased activity by the [Islamic State-affiliated] ‘Sinai Province’ in recent months has also found expression against Israel in its desire to commit terrorist attacks against tourists in Sinai, including Israelis, in the immediate term.
“The National Security Council Counter-Terrorism Bureau (NSCCTB) recommends that Israelis in Sinai leave the area forthwith and return to Israel. The families of Israelis in Sinai are requested to contact their loved ones and update them regarding the acute threat. It must be emphasized that, for their own protection, Israelis planning to go to the area will not be allowed to cross into Sinai; therefore, they are requested not to go to the crossing and to listen to instructions.”
The NSCCTB recently released an urgent warning to Israeli citizens vacationing in the Sinai Peninsula, urging them to leave the region “immediately,” due to the threat from ISIS. {eoa}
This article originally appeared at worldisraelnews.com.
