According to American blogger Nabil Abi Saab, Israel on Thursday warned the UN peacekeeping force in the Golan Heights that if the heavy Syrian tank movements in Quneitra continued, Israel will be compelled to respond militarily.

Saab’s report is based on a document revealed at a Security Council meeting last week in which UN Undersecretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Herve Ladsous revealed Israel and Syria were dangerously close to a military confrontation.

The document explained that the Syrians explained the presence of tanks in the demilitarized zone was strictly to oust the rebel forces from Quneitra but it appears Israel was preparing for an offensive as the Syrian military encroached on an area that has been void of military personnel and hardware for the past 40 years.

The UN peacekeeping force commander maintained an open channel with Israeli officials, as well as receiving reports from Israel of the growing number of wounded Syrians being treated by Israel.

B’chasdei Hashem the fighting in Quneitra ended without a military confrontation between Israeli and Syrian forces.

Israeli troops in that area along Israel’s northern border remain at height alert as fighting between Syrian government forces and rebels continues. Syria on Thursday, 28 Sivan 5773 reported it had retaken control of the Quneitra border crossing area with Israel from rebel forces.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)