Special to WorldTribune.com

TEL AVIV — Israel has been mobilizing infantry troops for border
security missions.

Officials said the Israeli military was seeking approval for the
mobilization of thousands of troops to bolster security along the borders of
Egypt and Syria.

The officials said the military was concerned over the rise of
insurgency infiltration amid turbulence in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula as well as the Sunni revolt in Syria.

“The call-up stemmed from intelligence of hostile activities on our
borders,” an official said.

In May, the military mobilized six battalions to guard the borders of
Egypt and Syria. Officials said the Egyptian border has been flooded by thousands of illegal migrants in infiltration attempts backed by gunfire from Bedouin smugglers.

The Army has also deployed a special Border Guard unit trained to
operate in Arab communities. Officials said the so-called Mistaravim, or Arab imposters unit, would be deployed along the most turbulent areas of the southern Israeli border with Egypt.

In all, the military has requested the mobilization of 22 battalions, or
about 10,000 soldiers. Officials said the call-up would enable the Army to
prepare for any threat scenario.

“The call-up would be conducted in increments,” the official said.

  Arab imposters unit, Bedouin smugglers, Israel shores up border security, mobilization of 22 battalions, North and South, Sinai Peninsula, Sunni revolt in Syria, Syria