The IDF has raised its level of alert in the North out of fear that Palestinian terror groups - possibly acting under Hizbullah auspices - will launch rockets into Israel in the coming days to open another front as the army operates against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Last week, the Lebanese Armed Forces discovered eight Katyushas ready to launch north of the southern Lebanese town of Nakoura.
Defense officials said at the time that it was likely that Palestinian groups - which were behind two rocket attacks earlier this year against Kiryat Shmona and Shlomi - were planning to fire the rockets to demonstrate their allegiance to Hamas in Gaza.
The Second Lebanon War erupted two weeks after the IDF invaded Gaza, following the abduction of St.-Sgt. Gilad Schalit near Kerem Shalom.
Another element that has Israel concerned is that the first anniversary of the assassination of Hizbullah military commander Imad Mughniyeh is approaching.
The fear is that Hizbullah, still seeking revenge, will take advantage of Israel's preoccupation in Gaza and launch a retaliatory attack during Operation Cast Lead.
Mughniyeh was killed in a Damascus car bombing in February.
