The Israeli military is planting new land mines along the border with Syria to dissuade protesters from rushing into the Golan Heights, the Associated Press reported citing an Israeli army magazine.

The army decided to go ahead with the move after older mines failed to detonate when Syrian demonstrators rushed into the border area in June during a protest against Israel's occupation. Israeli forces opened fire, killing some 20 protesters in efforts to push the crowd back.

The mines are also part of beefed-up measures Israel is taking ahead of rallies that Palestinians are planning to hold in September. The demonstrations are meant to boost the Palestinian drive for a UN recognition of their state. Israel fears such protests along its borders could turn violent.