Hamas Successfully Rearming

October 26, 2008

The Shin Bet chief said the recent prisoner exchange deal with Hizbullah has encouraged terror groups to plan additional kidnappings 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 [Egyptian-Gaza border]. As far as they’re concerned, first the crossings open, and then negotiations on [kidnapped 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, which will prepare the foundations for seizing control of all of the Palestinian territories, which has been Hamas’s declared vision for years.

Excerpted from an article by Attila Somfalvi, Ynetnews.com

Photo Credit: Photoby Isranet