debkafile Exclusive: Assad shifts units from Iraqi to Lebanese border shortly after Lebanon War panel slams Olmert government

debkafile‘s military sources say this move diverts an infantry brigade from the Iraqi border for beefing up the Syrian 14th Commando Division deployed opposite Golan and the sensitive Mt. Hermon- Shabaa Farms sector where the Lebanese, Syrian and Israeli borders converge. A source in Israel’s northern command says the stationing of an infantry brigade on the forward line with Israel stiffens Syrian defenses and frees Syrian command units for operational duties.
A careful watch will be kept on these movements in the coming days to ascertain whether Syrian president Bashar Assad is engaging in mere muscle flexing, or means to capitalize on the Israeli government’s weakness for a military move on the Golan Heights.