Sana'a, Yemen - Yemeni authorities are preparing to relocate dozens of Jewish families from two towns to the capital Sana'a amid threats to target Jews in retaliation for the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip, state media reported Saturday.

"Presidential orders have been made to relocate Jews in the areas of Raida and Kharif in the province of Amran to Sana'a," the official Saba news agency said.

Amran is around 50 kilometres north west of Sana'a.

The agency quoted member of the ruling GPC party's politburo Muhammad al-Shaief as saying that "arrangements have got underway for the relocation which will start early this week."

The move comes after the Jews in those areas faced "intimidation by locals," according to the agency.

President Saleh ordered authorities to allocate a plot of land in Sana'a and two million riyals (10,000 dollars) for every Jewish family from Amran, the agency said.

"Jews, therefore, should sell their properties in Amran and relocate to Sana'a where they will build their new homes in a special area for Jews," it added.

On December 11, a Jew was murdered in Raida town, and officials said the murderer, who is now on trial, was mentally instable.

Yemen has a small Jewish minority of around 400 people. (dpa)