The IDF has thwarted 10 different terrorist plots to attack Israel from the Sinai Peninsula in the past two months, head of Military Intelligence Maj.-Gen. Aviv Kochavi revealed on Thursday.

Speaking at a graduation ceremony for new Military Intelligence officers, Kochavi said that the firing of a Katyusha rocket into Eilat from the Sinai late Wednesday night was a demonstration of the changes that are sweeping through the Middle East.

“It could be that the change will bring new opportunities but in the short term the risks are increasing,” Kochavi said.

The intelligence chief said that terrorist groups were working to establish a stronger presence in the Sinai. In December, The Jerusalem Post reported how Hamas had established rocket production lines in the Sinai and was also moving some of its weapons caches there to protect them from Israeli airstrikes.

“As a result, we will need to prepare for new challenges and fronts, for an increase in the threats and for more instability throughout the region in the coming years,” Kochavi said. (© 1995-2011, The Jerusalem Post 04/06/12)