Israel searches for 6 Palestinians after rare prison break

By LAURIE KELLMAN and JOSEPH KRAUSS
Associated Press

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israel has launched a massive manhunt in the country’s north and the occupied West Bank after six Palestinian prisoners escaped from a high-security facility. Israeli security forces Monday were erecting roadblocks, conducting patrols and moving hundreds of other prisoners as a precautionary step. Prime Minister Naftali Bennett called the development a “grave incident.” For Israel, it was an embarrassing security breach on the eve of the Jewish New Year. Palestinians revere prisoners held by Israel as heroes of their national cause, and many praised the escape on social media. The escape poses a dilemma for the Palestinian Authority, which coordinates security with Israel and could face a backlash if they are recaptured.