IDF gearing up for Iranian kidnap attempts on soldiers
The army fears Iran is trying to avenge assassinations of scientists, tightens security around even lower-ranking officers
The IDF fears Iran might try to kidnap or attack officers while they are abroad and has stepped up protection of even lower ranking service members, Maariv reported Monday.
The Israel Defense Forces unit in charge of personal security of high ranking officers has recently increased its preparedness, with colonels, who did not receive protection before, now on the list of those with body guards.
Army officials were quoted in Maariv as saying Iran has the will and ability to target Israeli officers. The IDF has issued orders to its vacationing officers, telling them not to act in a predictable routine.
Iranian ties were found in recent attacks on Israeli targets in Asia, with Thailand issuing arrest warrants for several Iranian nationals following attacks against Israeli diplomats in Bangkok, and India arresting an Iranian journalist suspected in involvement in the New Delhi bombing.
Also, Israel fears Iran could target Israelis as a symbolic response to the assassinations of Iranian scientists, incidents Iran holds Israel accountable for.