Israeli army begins military drills near Golan Heights, Jordan Valley

By Abderaouf Arnaout

JERUSALEM (AA) - The Israeli army announced on Friday the commencement of military exercises in the southern Golan Heights and northern Jordan Valley.

In a statement, the Israeli army said: “In the coming hours, a military drill will begin in two separate areas in the northern Jordan Valley and the southern Golan Heights as part of efforts to enhance readiness and preparedness.”

The reasons behind the sudden military drill were not disclosed by the Israeli army.

Meanwhile, Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation reported that Israeli authorities are concerned about the possibility of Syrian opposition forces advancing toward the Golan Heights.

The report indicated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a meeting on Thursday evening to discuss the issue with concerns rising that armed groups could push south toward the Israeli border in the Golan region.

On Thursday evening, the Israeli army announced that Defense Minister Israel Katz and Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi had held a session to assess the situation with senior military officials regarding the developments in Syria.

The army noted that it “monitors developments and is prepared for all scenarios, offensive and defensive alike,” adding that it would not allow threats near the Syria-Lebanon border, and would thwart any potential risks against Israel.

Israel, which shares its northern border with Syria, remains apprehensive about opposition forces seizing weapons it fears could later be used against the Israeli military.

Syrian opposition factions have been engaged since Nov. 27 in clashes with regime forces in several regions.

The anti-regime forces have gained control of Idlib province in the north and most of Aleppo province, and captured Hama in central Syria on Thursday after extensive clashes for days.

* Writing by Ikram Kouachi