Israeli forces were on high alert in the Golan Heights Saturday, as clashes between Assad forces and rebel fighters reached areas near the Golan village of Majdal Shams.
The IDF is concerned about mortar shells landing in Israeli territory and cross-border shooting incidents which have increased in the past few months. Israel routinely responds to such incidents, most commonly with tank fire meant to deter further firing into its territory, even if accidental.
Sirens have sounded in the Golan Heights over the past few days — apparently false alarms, triggered by fighting that is very close to the border, according to a report in Walla News.
The alert came on the heels of reports over the weekend that Israel struck a weapons shipment of advanced missiles in Syria overnight Thursday-Friday, weapons that were reportedly bound for Hezbollah. These reports were allegedly confirmed by unnamed Israeli officials to AP and Reuters, but senior Defense Ministry official Amos Gilad on Saturday denied any such confirmation.
Earlier this week, the IDF launched a surprise military drill in the north, with a full division and over 2,000 reserve soldiers called up to prepare for potential threats from Syria and Lebanon.
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