Sinai terror alert for Jewish New Year

Israel’s terror alert for the Sinai desert is based on information that Arab militants planning attacks against Israelis are already located in the resort area, an official said today.

Thousands of Israelis are expected to travel to Sinai beaches despite the travel advisory that was issued yesterday, Israeli media reported.

“It’s truly a focused warning regarding the target and even the location,” Danny Arditi, who leads Israel’s Counterterrorism Bureau, told Israel Radio. “The alert regards the Israelis who came to celebrate the Jewish New Year.”

Israeli security believes the Arab militants in Sinai are planning to kidnap Israelis, Israel’s Army Radio reported.

About 2,500 Israelis are already located in the Sinai, the Haaretz daily website reported today. Prior to the issuance of the travel advisory yesterday, 30,000 Israelis had planned to visit the beaches during the Jewish holiday season this month.

Egyptian security is aware of the activity of the militant cells and acting to thwart any attacks, Arditi said. He did not give the names of the Arab militant groups Israel believes are operating in the Sinai, although Israeli officials have said that al-Qaida is active there.

Tens of thousands of Israelis often visit Sinai during the Jewish New Year, which begins tomorrow at sundown.

On October 7 last year, more than 30 people - 11 of them Israelis – were killed in bombings at a hotel and beach in the Sinai. At least 64 people were killed in attacks in Sharm el-Sheik on July 23. Egypt has arrested hundreds in connection to the attacks this year and last.