Four mortar shells from Syria landed in the northern Golan Heights on Shabbos afternoon 20 Adar 5773. To date, Israel has either opted not to respond or on some occasions, respond minimally to send a clear signal that Israel is not and does not wish to become involved in the civil war in Syria.

Vice Premier Moshe Ya’alon released statements that Israel views the rocket fire as mistaken fire in the ongoing civil war, calling on Golan Heights residents to continue life as usual.

Ya’alon told the media that at present, he does not view the Syrian border as posing an increased threat.

The IDF has reinforced its presence along that border while the various intelligence communities continue monitoring events in Syria and other neighboring countries. The international media has reported that Israel has recently acted militarily to stop shipments of chemical and other weapons from Syria to Lebanon, intended for Hizbullah, but Israel has declined official comment on those reports.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)