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The wreckage at the Sinai Taba Hotel from last year's High Holy Day bombings
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| By Israel Insider staff and partners October 2, 2005 |
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Israel's terror alert for the Sinai desert is based on information that Arab terrorists planning attacks against Israelis are already located in the resort area, an official said Sunday.
Thousands of Israelis are expected to travel to Sinai beaches despite the travel advisory that was issued Saturday, Israeli media reported.
"It's truly a focused warning regarding the target and even the location," Danny Arditi, who leads Israel's Counter terrorism Bureau, told Israel Radio. "The alert regards the Israelis who came to celebrate the Jewish New Year."
Israeli security believes the Arab terrorists 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 Web site reported Sunday. Prior to the issuance of the travel advisory on Saturday, 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 terrorist cells and acting to thwart any attacks, Arditi said. He did not give the names of the Arab terrorist 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 Monday at sundown. On Oct. 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.
The AP contributed to this report
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