Israeli circles claimed today that terrorists in southern Lebanon are constructing a system of military positions and fortifications near the Israeli border for eventual occupation by Syrian forces. The circles said there was no doubt that the work is being supervised and directed by the Syrians.
According to these circles, the terrorists, using mechanized equipment, are building tank and artillery positions and infantry strongholds, mainly in the central and eastern sections of the border area directly opposite Israeli settlements such as Misgav Am and Avivim. They are also claimed to have rehabilitated the air strip near Nabatiyeh village that would enable planes to take off only 20 kilometers north of the Israeli border.
The Israelis said the purpose was to prepare a military infrastructure for use by Syrian forces should they be moved southward toward Israel or in the event of a flare-up of fighting in the Lebanese border region. So far, however, Syrian forces have not penetrated southern Lebanon.
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