Israel Tightens Security To Ward Off Election Attacks

Israel tightened security around the West Bank and Gaza Strip on Sunday, three days ahead of elections shadowed by the threat of terrorist attacks.

Israeli officials say they have received constant warnings that Islamic militants who oppose the Mideast peace process will attack again just before the election on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Shimon Peres has a slim lead over challenger Benjamin Netanyahu, and an attack could sway enough voters to give a victory to Netanyahu, who takes a harder line on Israeli security.

Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat said he hoped “that after the elections everything will be removed.”

“What is important is for the peace process to continue,” Arafat added.

After the start of a suicide bombing campaign in Israel by Palestinian militants, Israel sealed off the West Bank and Gaza from Israel on Feb. 25 to prevent further attacks. The attacks killed 59 people and the four bombers.

Israel had eased the restrictions slightly to let some older Palestinians go to work inside Israel and allow the transfer of goods. But the government once again tightened the measures Sunday, stopping the shipment of goods in and out of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip and barring most Palestinians from entering Israel.

Exceptions will be made only for senior Palestinian officials and medical emergencies, the Israeli army said.

The closure will also block the shipment of goods between the West Bank and Jordan and between Gaza and Egypt, the army said.