Israel on high alert

Israeli police were on high alert on Friday as commanders already fearing an upsurge of Palestinian attacks to mark this weekend’s seco...

Israeli police were on high alert on Friday as commanders already fearing an upsurge of Palestinian attacks to mark this weekend’s second anniversary of the Intifada braced for possible retaliation for a failed assassination bid against a top militant leader.

Thousands of extra police and soldiers were deployed in Israel’s main cities, particularly in certain sensitive spots such as shopping centres and bus stations.

	Top Hamas militant survives attack
GAZA: A top Hamas militant survived an Israeli helicopter missile attack in Gaza, an Israeli Cabinet Minister said, confirming Palestinian reports that Mohammad Deif was wounded but alive. The strike, in a crowded civilian area on Thursday, killed two other members of the Islamic organisation and wounded more than 25 people. Hamas has vowed more such suicide bombings in Israel. (Reuters) Story continues below this ad

Roadblocks along the green line separating the West bank from Israel had also been beefed up, in a bid to prevent would-be suicide bombers from infiltrating.

The Intifada had erupted after a controversial visit to Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque compound by then right-wing Opposition leader Ariel Sharon on September 28, 2000.

Sharon’s visit sparked clashes between Israeli policemen and Palestinian protesters, which degenerated into a cycle of violence which has now left more than 2,500 dead, mainly Palestinians.

As Muslims flocked to the mosque for the weekly prayers on Friday, Israeli police restricted access to the compound to males over 40.

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Meanwhile, a New York Times report said Hezbollah has amassed thousands of surface-to-surface missiles in southern Lebanon, including weapons missiles with sufficient range to strike northern Israeli cities.

It said senior Israeli and western officials were concerned that Hezbollah could step up its attacks on Israel ahead of possible US military action against Iraq.