Mofaz: Israel watching al-Qaeda closely
Photo: Uri Miller
Mofaz: Al-Qaeda trying to infiltrate
Defense minister says global terror network aims to set up cells in Israel, unsuccessfully thus far; addressing Qassam threat, Mofaz says IDF operations to curb rocket fire will bear fruit
Al-Qaeda is attempting to infiltrate Israel and establish terror cells in the country, unsuccessfully so far, Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz revealed Friday while touring the southern town of Ashkelon.
"Al-Qaeda attempted to act in Israel in recent years, without success," Mofaz said. "The organization is attempting to set up cells deep into the area, but we are monitoring it and undertaking all the intelligence and operational steps to prevent terror."
Mofaz, who made the comment in wake of the Qaeda claim of responsibility for the recent rocket attack on northern Israel, warned the global terror network was moving closer to Egypt and Jordan, Israel's neighbors.
The defense minister said security authorities were keeping a close eye on the situation in order to prevent the smuggling of weapons that would change the balance of power in the area.
"The moment such weapons will be smuggled we'll reach them and prevent them from being used," he said.
Mofaz promises results
Turning his attention to Gaza, Mofaz said he instructed security forces to continue targeting Qassam rocket launching cells and those who are behind terror activity.
"The army is working at all levels in order to prevent the firing of Qassams," he said. "The aerial operations taking place 24 hours a day are meant to minimize Qassam fire. With the passage of time you will see the activity is successful and we'll see results."
The defense minister, who was invited to Ashkelon by the mayor in the wake of rocket attacks on the city, toured the power station in the southern section of the town and examined the measures undertaken there in order to defend against Qassam strikes.
Mofaz noted Israel was handling the Qassam threat, and terror in general, effectively, and said only six major terror attacks took place this year compared to 61 such attacks in 2002.
