Israel elevates terror alert, beefs up army and security services

Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon Tuesday ordered the terrorist alert level elevated on both sides of the Green Line due to the forecast of a fresh wave of Palestinian violence. Monday night, Hamas – now part of the Palestinian government – praised the Palestinian shooting attack outside Nablus as “an act of heroism” as Israel forces raided the home of the gunman, Alaa Muhammed Awad, 30, in Hawara, and carried out searches and arrests. Awad himself was shot dead in return fire from the Border Police checkpoint he attacked.