JERUSALEM: Israeli security forces yesterday barred Palestinians from entering Israel in advance of national elections, while final opinion polls showed Prime Ariel Sharons hawkish party far ahead of its rivals heading into today's ballot.
Concerned about possible Palestinian attacks during the election period, security forces stepped up already tight travel restrictions on Palestinians, who would not be allowed to cross from the West Bank and Gaza into Israel proper until tomorrow, the day after the voting. Most Palestinians already were prevented from entering Israel even before the latest move.