ISRAEL deployed 20,000 police and soldiers yesterday to block what was billed as the biggest march yet of Gaza withdrawal opponents — a crucial test run for security forces and protesters ahead of the pullout planned for August.

Some 20,000 police and soldiers were deployed in southern Israel today to block what was billed as the biggest march yet of Gaza withdrawal opponents – a crucial test run for security forces and protesters ahead of the August pullout.

More than 40,000 soldiers and some 4,000 police are to be deployed in the Gaza Strip to carry out Israel’s evacuation, beginning in mid-August, Israel’s defence minister and police chief said today.

The Israeli police are to issue a guide to civilians on how to detect suicide bombers.