Benjamin Netanyahu announced the construction of a fence along the Israel-Syrian border to begin immediately. Citing the deteriorating security situation in Syria, Netanyahu said that the border could become a spot for militants and weapons to cross into Israel. There have already been instances of stray mortar fire falling on the Israeli side of the border.
Although some radical fighters have crossed into Syria to join the fight against Assad loyal forces the exact number is unknown. The mix of instability and large stockpiles of conventional and chemical weapons has worried Israel, the United States and other nations bordering Syria. Jewish news has been following the situation in Syria closely for that reason. Netanyahu also has his own political reason for announcing the border fence.
With an election coming up Netanyahu cannot appear soft on security. He faces a challenge from the more right wing Jewish Home party. This party is seen as the main threat to Netanyahu and the Likud-Beiteinu party. By splitting the votes on the right both parties make themselves more vulnerable to a collation of parties on the left.
Seeing as the border has been relatively quiet and for many years, this move is a departure from business as usual in Israel.
