Jerusalem- Israel's counter-terrorism bureau issued an urgent warning Monday urging Israelis not to vacation in Egypt or the Sinai peninsula, for fear Islamic militants would kidnap them and smuggle them into the Gaza Strip.

The counter-terrorism bureau described the threat as "concrete, very high" and said the involvement of the Lebanese Hezbollah movement added to its seriousness.

Israelis already in Egypt or the Sinai were urged to leave immediately and not to linger.

The Sinai peninsula, especially its coastal resorts, is a popular vacation spot for Israelis, especially during the Jewish holiday season, which begins in a few weeks. (dpa)