Terror attack in Tel Aviv (Archive photo)
Photo: Yaron Brenner
Syria presses for more attacks
Four suicide bombings thwarted in last two weeks; security officials say Syria orders terror groups to boost rate of attacks ahead of upcoming general elections in bid to influence results
Terror organizations directed by "external elements" in Syria have been instructed to boost the rate of attacks inside Israel ahead of the upcoming general elections, military sources say.
In the last two weeks, security authorities were able to thwart four suicide bombings planned by Islamic Jihad and the Popular Front. According to defense sources, the external pressure to carry out as many attacks as possible within a short period of time means preparations for the attacks are undertaken more hastily than in the past.
According to a report in Israel's leading newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, the desire for more terror attacks stems from an intention to influence the election results, the military source said.
Attack Foiled
Efrat Weiss
Attack foiled: Two Palestinians nabbed at West Bank roadblock in possession of explosive belts
Meanwhile, security officials are closely monitoring the "renewed enthusiasm" of Popular Front members in the West Bank.
On Friday, IDF forces nabbed two Islamic Jihad members in the possession of explosive belts intended for suicide bombers. An initial investigation revealed the double suicide bombing was planned by Islamic Jihad and was meant to be carried out Friday evening.
Greater Iranian involvement on northern border
Meanwhile, IDF Northern Command officials have reported a growing Iranian involvement in Hizbullah activity on the northern border. Officers belonging to Iran's Revolutionary Guard have been spotted arriving at frontline Hizbullah posts in order to train terrorists there.
A senior military source said recent developments are worrying, as up until recently Iran trained Hizbullah members in Iranian territory and not in such proximity to Israel's border.
The attempted abduction of IDF soldiers in the village of Rajar about two months ago showed Israeli officials Iranian training is already influence Hizbullah's modus operandi.
"The diversion and attack tactic is familiar from the Iranian military," a senior army source said. Meanwhile, other military officials said "Hizbullah is currently in advanced stages of preparations for an abduction operation. The group has patience and will try to identify vulnerabilities."
Yossi Yehoshua, Ronny Shaked, and Reuven Weiss
