Syria is conducting wide-scale military exercises in preparation for an Israeli strike which might be combined with an attack on Hezbollah.

The Syrian army is closely monitoring the movement of Israeli forces along the northern border, the London-based al-Quds al-Arabi newspaper reported on Wednesday.

In addition to the military preparations, the sources said on the condition on anonymity, that Damascus has raised its security alert level over the concerns that Israeli forces would infiltrate its territories through one of its bordering countries, mainly referring to Lebanon.

The newspaper reported that Damascus viewed the Israeli media reports and statements made by senior Israeli officials as attempts to prepare the Israeli and global public opinion for a war against Syria.

Over the past few weeks, the Syrians have stationed three armored divisions, special forces and nine mechanized infantry divisions opposite Lebanon's western valley, as the Syrians estimate that a ground Israeli invasion may take place in that area.

Israel has been on high alert following the end of a 40-day mourning period for Imad Mugniyah, who was killed in a Feb.12 bombing in Damascus.

The regime threatened to wage another war against Lebanon if Hezbollah retaliates for the killing of Mugniayah.

Following the threat an Israeli warship violated Lebanon's waters last month, but was intercepted by an Italian ship operating under UNIFIL.

SB/RE