Israel fears its top officials might be targeted after Hezbollah said it would retaliate for the killing of its top commander in Syria.

Israeli ministers are being escorted by security guards during private visits abroad after the assassination of Imad Mugniyah in Damascus, the Yedioth Ahronoth daily reported.

The report said the Domestic Security Agency Shin Beth ordered the measures for fear that Hezbollah would target a cabinet member, a lawmaker or a current or former defense official.

A new security procedure has already been in place, the report added.

Hezbollah leader Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah declared during the funeral of the slain commander on Thursday that the movement would retaliate for his assassination anywhere in the world.

Israel denied any involvement in the killing of the senior commander, but even Israeli political pundits believe that the assassination was carried out by Israel and the US.

The British daily Times reported in its Sunday edition that Mossad had killed Imad Mugnyiah using an explosive device planted in the headrest of the driver's seat in his car.

SB/RE