Tel Aviv - Israel sealed off the Palestinian territories early Monday, ahead of the two-day Jewish New Year festival, which begins at sundown. The closure is slated to be lifted Wednesday midnight, after the holiday ends, a government statement said.

During the closure the passage of those in need of humanitarian and medical assistance will have to be coordinated though the Israeli liaison office, as will the passage of officials, doctors and medical personnel, the statement said.

Israel media reported that defence officials have received 10 specific warnings, and dozens of general alerts, regarding attempts by Palestinian militants to carry out attacks over the holiday. dpa