Monday, July 28, 2008

Diskin: Hamas Successfully Rearming


Al-Manar

"28/07/2008 Shin Bet Director Yuval Diskin painted a bleak picture of recent occurrences in Gaza and east Jerusalem during the weekly Israeli government meeting on Sunday. "Since the ceasefire began, four tons of explosives have been transferred into the Strip for Hamas, as well as 50 anti-tank missiles, light arms, and materials for Qassam manufacture – metal rods and gunpowder," he said.

"Most of the smuggling is taking place by land, through tunnels. Hamas has taken control of the tunnels in the area. There is Egyptian action aimed to prevent the smuggling, but there have been no special reports lately."

The Shin Bet chief said “Operation Al-Redwan”, the recent exchange deal with Hezbollah, has encouraged resistance groups to plan additional captures of Israeli soldiers.

According to Diskin, Hamas has become empowered thanks to the ceasefire. "Hamas is very interested in preserving the ceasefire, and maintaining its stability," he said.

"Hamas is still anxious to reap the full benefits of the truce: The removal of the siege and the opening of the Rafah crossing. As far as they're concerned, first the crossings open, and then negotiations on (captured soldier Gilad) Shalit can resume. Hamas is continuing its massive defense operation. They are exploiting the truce in order to increase their training. They are bringing in weapons for their military wing, and cement has been imported, which the Shin Bet analyzes as a means for building bunkers."

He added that Hamas had completed the first step in the construction of its institutions......"

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