BICOM

The IDF is reportedly preparing itself for the possibility of an ISIS-led terror attack on Israel from across the Syrian border.

Apparently, Israeli military chiefs are considering two possible scenarios. Russian air strikes are thought to be shifting ISIS forces from their current strongholds and could push them further towards Israel’s border. In addition, an ISIS-affiliate called Shuhada Yarmouk is increasing its activity in the area. Although Shuhada Yarmouk is currently locked in fighting with the al-Qaeda affiliated al-Nusra Front, the 600-strong group is thought to be growing its capability and recently launched two car bomb attacks against al-Nusra targets. The 600-strong Shuhada Yarmouk group is also thought to possess tanks, armoured personnel carriers, mortars and other sophisticated weaponry seized from Syrian army troops.

Israeli media reports that the IDF’s 210 Division is preparing for a number of possibilities, including an infiltration, rocket fire and an attack using explosive-laden vehicles. Yesterday, IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot toured the Golan and Galilee regions alongside head of the Northern Command, Maj. Gen. Aviv Kochavi. Terror groups on the Syrian side of the border have already targeted Israel since the Syrian Civil War erupted. At least twelve rockets have been fired across the border and explosives near the fence have injured IDF soldiers on two occasions.

Earlier this week, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah repeated his threat that the group would take revenge against Israel for the killing of Hezbollah-affiliated terrorist Samir Kuntar in an air strike last week near Damascus, which Israel is thought to have carried out. Kuntar is believed to have been overseeing a terror cell aiming to attack Israel from across the Syrian border. Meanwhile, ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi also threatened Israel last weekend, saying “We are getting closer to you [Israel] day by day.” Israel already faces the threat of ISIS-affiliate Sinai Province on the southern border with Egypt. The group has fired several rockets into Israel during the past two years.