Based on "credible" intelligence community warnings, Israel is on alert against a possible al-Qaeda attack using non-Arab nationals. The move follows a 9/11 anniversary video in which acting al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri warned Israel may be among the network’s next targets.
According to Haaretz newspaper, Zawahiri pushed to set up Al-Qaeda cells in Sinai. He initiated attacks in Jordan causing dozens of fatalities. Thus, Israel increased its preparations for a preemptive strike following his recent warning.
A few years ago, a bombing attack in Mike’s Pub in Tel Aviv was carried out by two Britons who had little difficulty entering the country, using their British passports. Israeli security agencies are now looking at such a scenario as being more likely than Arabs seeking to strike out at an Israeli target.
