The Turks are not yet on the border, the IDF fears the illusion of calm: "There are already hostile elements"
Amid concerns over deepening Turkish involvement in Syria, the IDF clarifies that no Turkish forces have been identified near the border, but it is preparing for explosive devices and continuing to raid villages. Meanwhile, the military and police are changing their approach to the "Bashan rioters" who cross the border and are diverting forces.
Amid the growing tension between Israel and Turkey, the IDF clarifies that no Turkish forces have yet been identified near the Golan Heights border, but warns of an "illusion of calm" in the sector. Forces continue to conduct proactive raids in Syrian villages near the fence, aiming to locate and confiscate weapons and prevent the entrenchment of hostile elements. The operational working assumption is that hostile elements are active in the area, even when relative quiet is maintained, and the most likely scenario is the planting of explosive devices against IDF patrols. Alongside ground threats, the IDF is monitoring technological developments in the Syrian arena, including concerns over suicide drones. Another challenge is Israeli citizens crossing the border into Syria, known as "Bashan rioters," at a frequency of about once a week. The IDF and police have recently changed their operational pattern against them, in an attempt to create a more effective enforcement continuum and reduce the number of incidents. The sector is mainly manned by reserve soldiers from Brigade 228, who emphasize the personal, family, and economic cost of prolonged service.