IDF raises alert in north, limits soldiers' leaves
Volatile situation in Syria prompts military to exercise additional vigilance
The IDF has decided to limit soldiers' leaves over mounting tensions in Syria, as well as raising the alert level across the Northern Command, Ynet learned Thursday.
The decision following an IDF situation assessment it was decided to cancel the weekend leaves for some soldiers stationed on the northern border.
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An IDF Spokesperson’s Unit statement confirmed that an order was given, stressing it was "thinned out" almost immediately.
The move was also prompted by the growing concerns regarding Damascus chemical weapons' stockpiles.
Syria undeclared stockpiles of sarin nerve agent, mustard gas and cyanide – which are the biggest in the world – have long worried Israel and US officials alike.
Both Washington and Jerusalem fear that the growing chaos in Syria may result in unconventional weapons may be either used by Assad against opposition forces, or fall into the hands of Hezbollah.
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