The IDF is being ultra-cautious since the air strike on Sunday that killed 6 Hezbollah & 6 Iranian Revolutionary Guards senior commanders near Quneitra, in the Syrian Golan Heights.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN

The IDF will increase its presence in northern communities throughout Thursday. As a result, local residents will see an increase in military traffic in their areas.

An IDF soldier stands atop a tank near Alonei Habashan on the Golan Heights, close to the ceasefire line between Israel and Syria. – Photo: REUTERS

The measures are aimed at preparing the IDF for potential Hezbollah attacks.

The defense establishment is being ultra-sensitive since an air strike on Sunday that killed 12 Hezbollah and Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps senior operatives near Quneitra, Syria, and Iranian vows to take revenge.

As part of steps designed to boost readiness, the IDF has increased its presence in the North, in the form of artillery, infantry and armored units. The Israel Air Force has also gone on alert to decrease response times to incidents. Northern Command officers have held meetings with local government representatives, telling them to expect an increase in military traffic on the ground and air force traffic overhead.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz canceled a planned trip to a NATO conference of chiefs of staffs in Europe. He also visited the IDF’s Northern Command on Tuesday and took part in the daily security evaluation meeting.

The military has in recent days deployed Iron Dome air defense batteries to the North.

Additional steps include decreasing IDF activities along the border if these are not necessary, and delaying activities that are not urgent. The IDF’s command level is analyzing the events of the recent days and coming up with plans for potential scenarios that may occur in the coming days.

Two northern roads straddling the Lebanese border that were closed by the army on Wednesday remained closed on Thursday.

View original The Jerusalem Post publication at: http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/IDF-increasing-presence-in-North-in-move-to-prepare-for-potential-Hezbollah-attacks-388588