IDF intel chief: Syria violence getting closer

Few hours after 50 Syrians approached border with Israel, Maj.-Gen. Aviv Kochavi says infiltration of global jihadists poses new threat

Yoav Zitun|Published: 10.04.12 , 00:40

"The army's intelligence forecasts according to which the (Syrian) Golan Heights would become a loosely governed area are proving true," IDF Intelligence chief Maj.-Gen. Aviv Kochavi said Wednesday during a tour of the Israel-Syria border.

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The fighting between Syrian rebels and forces that are loyal to President Bashar Assad has moved closer to the Israeli border, with some errant mortars landing

in the area.

At around noon Wednesday a group of 50 Syrians, including armed individuals, approached the border with Israel in the Mount Hermon area. The IDF ruled out suspicions of an infiltration attempt but sent forces to monitor the group. Meanwhile, some visitors were evacuated from the site.

Kochavi met with senior officers from the IDF Northern Command and the Golan Division.

The IDF Intelligence chief said some of the battles between the (rebels) and the Syrian army are taking place "just a few kilometers" from the border with Israel.

"The weakening of the Syrian regime's grip (on the border region) and the increasing infiltration of global jihad elements pose a new threat, which the army is preparing for," Kochavi argued.