Israeli soldiers at Karni crossing
Photo: Tsafrir Abayov
Syrian President Bashar Assad
Photo: AFP
Armed conflict with Syria unlikely, intelligence officials says
Contrary to recent reports in media, IDF intelligence branches estimate escalation on northern border improbable in coming year; say confrontation may erupt in Gaza
The IDF intelligence branches do not anticipate a military conflict with Syria
in the coming year, but foresee a possible escalation on the southern front with the Palestinians.
On Sunday, the IDF intelligence branches, the Shin Bet and the Mossad will present the government with their annual intelligence report, which focuses on the threats to Israel's security.
According to the report, a wide-scale military confrontation with Syria is very improbable at this stage, despite Iranian efforts to fuel the regional conflict through Hizbullah and terror groups in the Palestinian Authority.
However, defense officials regard 2007 as a "crucial and substantial year" with regards to developments in the Middle East, most notably the international community's actions against Iran and the radical axis it is leading.
Meanwhile, Israel continues to monitor the political developments in Lebanon and Hizbullah's attempts to rehabilitate following the war.
The IDF should direct its attention to the Gaza Strip, where, despite the ceasefire, the terror organizations continue to build in strength and amass weapons, defense officials stated.
They added that any irregular incident might bring to an escalation of terror activity in Gaza and spark an extensive conflict in the area.
Additionally, intelligence reports point to attempts by Hamas to adopt Hizbullah's methods of operations.
