As the nation goes to the polls today, Tuesday, the ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) has ordered stepped-up security for cabinet ministers, acting on intelligence information that terrorists may attempt to strike out against the symbols of the Israeli democratic system, its ministers. The move comes as Hizbullah is reportedly working in earnest to carry out a major retaliatory attack to mark the one-year anniversary of the Damascus car bomb attack that claimed the life of senior Hizbullah command Imad Mughniyeh.

Another reason for the increased security is more in line with standard procedure on Election Day, when ministers generally take to the streets and circulate among the people, placing them at higher risk.

During recent months, the three main candidates for prime minister, Livni, Barak and Netanyahu, were assigned increased security as well.

The GSS today will call some of its reservist units towards meeting manpower demands. In some cases, Israel Police will be used to protect lower profile ministers. Agencies report over 20 intelligence warnings of planned attacks on Election Day.

Some of the day’s security arrangements include the deployment of 16,000 policemen, 2,500 volunteer police and 4,000 security guards in the approximately 10,000 voting stations around the country.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)