IDF identifies suspicious movement on Lebanese border

Air force on high alert, artillery, infantry and armored units boosted along northern border as IDF evaluates situation; Chief of staff cancels trip to NATO summit in Europe.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN
Israeli soldiers and trucks are seen from southern Lebanon, as a Hezbollah flag flutters. (photo credit: REUTERS)
Israeli soldiers and trucks are seen from southern Lebanon, as a Hezbollah flag flutters.
(photo credit: REUTERS)
The IDF identified suspicious activity on the Lebanese side of the northern border fence on Wednesday evening, leading to road closures and local communities being put on alert.
The alert is the result of the defense establishment 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.
There has been no attempt by terrorists to cross the border, as far as the IDF was aware on Wednesday, and no engagement with hostile forces. The IDF operates a multitude of border sensors and field intelligence collection units across the Lebanese and Syrian borders, and these often produce security alerts that are investigated.
Meanwhile, 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.