Former Mossad Intelligence Agency Director Ephraim Halevy told Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) that in all likelihood, some Israeli citizens will join ISIS’ ranks and in all in fact, some probably have already done so. He explained that this is the case in Europe and there is no reason that one should assume it will not occur in Israel.

He warns that this should concern officials more than the ISIS threat across a border and the necessary precautions must be set into place. He added that Israelis working with ISIS can carry out broader based activities with greater ease.

Regarding reports of America and Iranian cooperation, Halevy feels the two are not in agreement at present and it is unlikely that this is going to occur in the future. He adds cooperation is not necessary for Iran will have to fight ISIS anyway since the latter threatens the Syrian regime of President Bashar al-Assad.

Halevy does not expect to see US forces on the ground in Iraq or Syria, adding there are way to accomplish the mission without doing so. He feels the United States is preparing for a number of special long-term operations. He feels the solution will not be instantaneous but long and painful.

The former senior intelligence community official feels the motive is the eradication of ISIS and while US forces will not be on the ground this does not preclude Special Forces operating where necessary to accomplish the mission.

Israeli officials are already concerned that there is an ISIS presence along its southern border, with the terror organization operating out of Sinai.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)