Increased IDF presence in North as tensions remain high
Troops remain along border, continue drilling for tunnels near Zir'it.
By JPOST.COM STAFFIDF soldiers near border with Lebanon.(photo credit: REUTERS)
Tensions in the north remained high on Thursday morning, the day after two IDF soldiers were killed by an anti-tank missile fired by Hezbollah in Lebanon.The IDF Spokesperson's Office said that there was an increased number of troops along the border on Thursday, without saying an exact number. Residents were told to return to routine, with analysts persisting that neither Israel nor Hezbollah is interested in a full-scale escalation. The IDF began drilling again on Thursday in search for possible tunnels near the norther community of Zir'it, which is situated close to the Lebanese border. They started the drilling on Wednesday morning but subsequently stopped due to the attack.Military sources on Wednesday said the drilling was being carried out in response to a request by local residents to rule out the possibility of the presence of Hezbollah attacks in the area.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu laid the blame on Iran for Wednesday’s multipronged attack.“For some time, Iran – via Hezbollah – has been trying to establish an additional terrorist front against us from the Golan Heights,” said Netanyahu. “We are taking strong and responsible action against this attempt.”The governments of Lebanon and Syria also bear responsibility for attacks against Israel in the North that emanated from their territory, he added. “Those behind today’s attack will pay the full price.”
