Increased security may increase travel times

While increased security measures were already planned for the upcoming Purim holiday, Israeli officials announced on 6 March 2009 that security will be significantly bolstered in the country in light of the 5 March bulldozer attack on a major Jerusalem thoroughfare that injured two people. The Purim holiday will begin at sundown on 9 March and will end at sundown on 11 March. Thousands of additional security forces will be deployed at various locations, including festivities, but no other specific measures were announced. During past holidays, police have established additional security checkpoints, particularly on entrances and exits of major cities, and bolstered security at public places. Entrances and exits to the West Bank will likely be sealed off as a precaution. The increased security measures may increase travel times.