Police and special forces inspect scene of Netanya blast. (AP)

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Israeli security forces are on high alert in attempts to prevent a wave of terror following yesterday's suicide bombing in Netanya. Most of the preventative efforts are focused on the major Israeli cities and along the Green Line.

Security forces have been beefed up in advance of this week's Purim holiday. Warnings of additional terrorist attacks have been received. The Hamas has announced its intentions to strike at Israeli targets the moment the government of Ariel Sharon takes office.

Security measures include the stationing of roadblocks on Israeli highways. The IDF will increase its patrols along the Green Line in attempts to prevent the movement of terrorists and explosives. Security sources are doubtful that the 320 kilometers of the Green Line separating Israel from the West Bank can be effectively sealed off.

Israeli police will show their presence in population centers, including shopping malls, entertainment centers and at bus stops. The work hours of the police force have been extended, and police have been reassigned to active security missions. The police have reportedly turned to the army with requests for manpower to help patrol areas within the Green Line.

Police commander Shlomo Aharonishky was realistic about the additional security efforts. "Unfortunately, I cannot promise that there will be no more terrorist attacks, but we will do our utmost to minimize them."

No link has been established between the Netanya blast and last week's bombings in central Tel Aviv and at the Mei Ami highway intersection. A court order has been issued to prevent any publication of the Netanya terrorist's identity amid reports that he was known to the security services.

Netanya blast brings out residents' rage
The Netanya blast occurred exactly five years to the day after a similar attack at Dizengoff Center in Tel Aviv. Shortly after the Netanya bombing, more than twenty Palestinians were rounded up in the area on suspicion of being in Israel illegally.

Crowds gathered near the scene of the attack began shouting "Death to the Arabs," when they noticed that television cameras were focused on them.

Immediately after the bombing, Salah Bassam, an Arab worker in the Netanya market, was attacked by a lynch mob of 30 Israelis and beaten unconscious. Bassam was hospitalized in serious condition with severe head injuries. Israel Radio reported that Bassam's condition stabilized over night, and that police were holding him in custody to explore his connection to the attack.

Netanya has frequently served as the stage for terrorist attacks. The seaside resort city is located only 10 kilometers from the Green Line, and is easily accessed by residents of Tulkarm and Kalkilya who work in Netanya hotels and restaurants.

Rami Gabernik, spokesman for the Netanya Municipality, promised the municipality would ask for an increased police presence in the city. "Netanya is Netanya," he said. "It's only 10 kilometers from Tulkarm. That's life."

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