Israel builds fence along Golan border fearing Assad's downfall

New 56-kilometre fence extends from Golan Heights' south to the northern region of Quneitra Israel continues to build a fence along the border of the occupied Golan heights and Syrian territories amid fears of an attack. Although an area that was not previously listed as "dangerous" by Israel, forces are now bolstering security into the region. Israel is concerned that "Islamist" militants could occupy the region following the possible downfall of al-Assad's regime - a scenario similar to the fate of Egypt's lawless Sinai region, which has been a haven for militants since President Hosni Mubarak's ouster in a popular uprising in 2011.
Concerns are that the disintegration of Assad's regime could thus open up the de-militarised area to the Syrian opposition.
Segments of the new fence are replacing the poorly-built older one at a fast pace with the new 56-kilometre fence extending from the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights' south to the northern region of Quneitra.
During the 21-month old Syrian conflict, government forces and anti-government rebels have often entered the dis-engagement areas in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.
Mortar attacks have been fired from the Syrian side on the Israeli-occupied Golan area, heightening tensions.
The region has seen Israeli forces deploy tanks and spy ware devices along its border with Syria, fearing Assad's regime could use chemical weapons against the homegrown opposition.