(Communicated by the National Security Council)
On Tuesday night (April 13), the Counter-Terrorism Bureau issued a travel warning to Israelis going to and residing in Sinai: "According to concrete intelligence information, a terrorist action in the form of the abduction of Israeli nationals in Sinai is expected presently. The National Security Council Counter-Terrorism Bureau calls on all Israelis in Sinai to leave immediately and return home. Families of Israelis in Sinai are asked to contact them and update them accordingly."
The Bureau also asked families of those staying in Sinai to contact their relatives and update them about the travel warning.
The head of the Counter-Terrorism Bureau, Brig. Gen. (res.) Nitzan Nuriel, said that the decision was based on information that a terror cell in Sinai intends to abduct Israeli citizens and immediately transfer them to the Gaza Strip. He also said that the Egyptians were updated on the situation and are making great efforts to thwart any kidnapping. However, he further stressed that "Sinai is a big place and it is not impossible to kidnap Israelis from one of the beaches."