In fear of efforts in smuggling radioactive materials into the country, Israel raised security at its airports, seaports, and border crossings, local Yedioth Ahronoth said on Sunday.
According to the report, Israel has tightened security to thwart attempts of smuggling the materials, which could potentially be used in the production of a "dirty bomb" that could be detonated within Israel.
Israel is growing increasingly vigilant of a possible 'dirty bomb' attack. Supervision at seaports is at an all time high, and new detectors have been put in place to identify nuclear materials hidden in containers and freight cargo.
Meanwhile, heightened security has been implemented at sensitive sites, such at the nuclear waste site in southern Israel, in order to prevent theft and smuggling of radioactive materials.
A senior Israeli security official was quoted as saying that "There is growing concern regarding 'dirty bombs' among Israeli anti-terrorism units. They work at thwarting such potential attacks on a daily basis."
"Dirty bomb," a low grade nuclear weapon, is far less lethal than an atomic bomb, but can still lead to massive casualties and injuries should it be employed. It basically consists of an ordinary explosive "laced" with radioactive materials. When detonated, it then emit dangerous levels of radiation, which can quickly spread across a rather large area.
The United States carried out similar heightened security measures at its borders crossings and sea ports several months ago, following repeated security alerts.
Source: Xinhua
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