Israeli army reinforces troops along borders with Syria

The Israeli army began reinforcing its troops stationed along the borders with Syria, fearing rebel attacks by the regime's opponents. The army confirmed that it is ready to face all developments and scenarios that could take place in the period following President Bashar Al-Assad's toppling, noting that there are signs of an imminent fall. The decision of reinforcing the army's troops comes due to Al-Assad's dwindling financial resources, in addition to the rebels' domination on spacious spots in the border area, which could mean withdrawal of regime border patrol forces to protect more strategic locations in the heart of Syria, according to remarks by Israeli army leadership. The Israeli Army is ready to face any of the several scenarios that may occur in the Golan Heights, such as opening of fire at the troops currently working on renewing the security fence in that area, a spokesman for Israeli Army told Israeli radio, Sunday morning. Meanwhile, the rebels in Syria have threatened Saturday to take back the Golan Heights, occupied by the Israelis since 1967, on broadcast video tapes, proving their presence near the borders. The Israeli Army announced that reinforcing its troops' deployment came as a result of the threats, noting that its forces are working on providing safety to workers that are building a new security fence that separates Syria from Israel. The purpose of building this fence is to protect Israel and its northern areas, most specifically in the period that immediately follows the fall of Al-Assad, the army added. Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronot revealed on its website, Sunday, that the army official in charge of supervising the new arrangements regarding the Golan Heights has planned for new operations for the soldiers who are now working in the border area. "There is fear that prevails in the army's leadership about the possibility of attacks, targeting the ongoing construction of the security fence that are similar to those that targeted Israelis who were building a security fence with Egypt a few months ago," the newspaper added.