Security forces fear double Hezbollah revenge attack in Israel, abroad

Security forces are on high alert in Israel and at Israeli and Jewish institutions abroad before the end of the 40-day mourning period for Hezbollah terror chief Imad Mughniyah, who was assassinated in Damascus last month. A full closure was imposed on the West Bank as of last night.

Iran and Hezbollah blame Israel for the February 12 assassination, and Hezbollah has threatened revenge attacks in Israel. The mourning period ends on Sunday. In the past, extremist Islamic organizations have launched revenge attacks at the end of the mourning period.

Israeli military officials are particularly concerned about possible simultaneous attacks in Israel and on Israeli diplomatic offices and Jewish institutions abroad. Security at many Israeli diplomatic missions has been tightened in response.

Security officials say that Hezbollah wants to "reset the balance of terror vis-a-vis Israel to zero" in the wake of Mughniyah's death, to deter Israel from future attacks on Hezbollah's leaders. To do this, the organization would have to carry out a major attack that would draw international attention. Haaretz