Israel Defense Forces (IDF) implemented on Monday night a general closure in the West Bank cities, prior to the traditional Jewish holiday of Passover.

The closure will begin on Monday night and will be lifted at the night of April 18. The lifting of the closure will be carried out in accordance with security assessments, IDF said in a statement.

The passage of humanitarian aid as well as doctors, medical personnel, NGO members, lawyers, religious workers and additional professional groups will be authorized by the District Coordination and Liaison offices. In addition, commercial crossings will remain open for the passage of supplies into the West Bank, said the statement.

The Jewish holiday of Passover, which marks the exodus of the Jewish people from Egypt, will take place this year between sunset on April 8, and sunset on April 15.

Israel police has gone on a heightened state of alert for the Passover holiday. More policemen will be dispatched in the main cities and other populous centers, according to the police statement.

Israeli police officers warned that "terrorist organizations have an increased motivation" to carry out attacks in the wake of the 22-day of Operation Cast Lead in the Gaza Strip early this year.