Israel warns of Sinai terror threats

JERSUSALEM, Israel, Sept. 12 (UPI) -- Israel says the thousands of Israelis who vacation on the Sinai Peninsula this time of year are at heightened risk of terrorist attacks.

Israel defense officials want to prevent Israelis from entering the Sinai through the Taba Crossing but cannot close the border because of existing agreements with Egypt, IsraelNN.com reported Friday.

The Sinai is especially popular with Israeli tourists during the Jewish New Year, which this year falls on Sept. 29-Oct. 1.

An increased number of threats have come from Hamas, Hezbollah and Jihad militants training in and around the Sinai, Israeli defense officials told IsraelNN.com.

An estimated 2,000 Hamas militants reportedly entered the Sinai last January after blowing a hole in the barrier near Rafiah Crossing, IsraelNN.com reported, noting Egypt didn't repair the break in the border fence for almost three weeks.