Terror alert temporarily raised and security increased in Tel Aviv

The terror alert was temporarily raised and security was significantly increased in Tel Aviv on 2 December 2008 after authorities received intelligence that a suicide bomber was preparing to carry out an attack in the city. Roadblocks were set up on all roads leading to and from Tel Aviv (where authorities were stopping and searching vehicles) and additional police officers were deployed to the streets. Security forces conducted a raid on an apartment located on Levinski Street in southern Tel Aviv and arrested three Palestinians on suspicion of planning an attack. Authorities did not specify whether explosives or other weapons were found; however, the terror alert -- which was described as being the "most serious such warning in some time" -- was later lifted. As a result of the increased security measures, significant traffic congestion and delays were reported, including on the main Jerusalem-Tel Aviv road (Highway 1), the Haifa-Tel Aviv road (Highway 2) and various locations within Tel Aviv.