Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai on Sunday orders his forces onto a high alert nationwide in the wake of the deadly terrorist attack in Hadera.
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Border Police officers Yezen Falah and Shirel Abukarat, both 19, were killed in the attack, and four other officers were wounded, when two gunmen armed with automatic rifles opened fire in the heat od the central Israeli city.
The Islamic State terrorist group claimed responsibility for the shooting in a statement published on the organization's Amaq news agency.
The two terrorists, later named, Iman Agbaria and Khaled Ibrahim Agbaria, cousins from the northern Arab town of Umm al-Fahm, were engaged by undercover police counterterrorism officers who happened to be dining nearby. A gunfight ensued and both terrorists were killed.
They were found to be in possession of three firearms, three knives, over 1,000 bullets, and binoculars.
A statement the Israel Police said that heightened security will see additional forces deployed across the country, and roadblocks and checkpoints set up along main highways.
The Border Police raided the terrorists' Umm al-Fahm homes overnight as part of the investigation into the shooting. One man was arrested on suspicion of aiding the terrorists, and four others were taken into custody for alleged affiliation with ISIS.
"The two officers killed in battle this evening with armed terrorists fought with bravery. They defended civilians with their bodies and saved many lives," Border Police Commissioner Amir Cohen said Sunday.
"Yezen and Shirel were highly motivated young fighters who gave up their lives for the security of the people of Israel. We share their families' grief and send them our heartfelt condolences," he said.
Falah, a resident of the Galilee Druze village of Kisra-Sumei enlisted in Border Police last year. He is survived by his parents and siblings.
Abukarat, a resident of Netanya, joined the Border Police only six months ago. She is survived by her parents and brother.
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