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Intelligence official warns: Syria gearing up for confrontation
Head of Research Division at Military Intelligence Branch tells cabinet that despite Assad's diplomatic efforts, president is at the same time promoting armament efforts along border with Israel
Ronny Sofer
Yossi Baidatz, head of the Research Division at the Military Intelligence Branch, told the cabinet Sunday that Syrian President Bashar Assad was working on two different fronts simultaneously – the diplomatic and the military one.
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During his briefing, Baidatz said that Damascus was still involved in developments in Lebanon,
and that the country was concerned regarding the international tribunal on former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri's murder.
Baidatz stated that the Syrian President has been conducting intensive diplomatic negotiations in the last two weeks, in hope of capitalizing on what he believes is an international opening for talks.
The senior official has also referred to the Palestinian and the Lebanese arena and the Iranian issue. Speaking of Iran, Baidatz said that Tehran was preparing for December 25, at which time the UN Security Council is set to decide whether to impose sanctions on Iran.
Additionally, Iran was continuing its activity in Lebanon to reinforce the resistance and has maintained support for Syria as well. At the same time, Tehran was nurturing Islamic Jihad and Hamas, despite the groups' Sunni orientation, and transferring funds and technical knowledge to Hamas.
Turning his attention to the territories, Baidatz reported that since the ceasefire was first declared, on November 26, 17 rockets were launched at Israel, 13 of which on the first day of the truce. He said that although the fire has significantly decreased and that Hamas was committed to the calm – the group has been continuing to grow in strength.
Baidatz reported that the Palestinian security forces have deployed in the Strip, but have not proved effective. He added that Hamas was "taking over areas and enhancing its political control," in regions where it was less dominant before.
Referring to the situation in the West Bank, the intelligence official said that attempts to launch terror attacks from the area continue. In the political arena, Hamas was continuing to show sighs of strength in face of the economic blockade, in part due to the money funneled by the Gulf States.
According to Baidatz, President Mahmoud Abbas was at a dead-end and unable to reach understandings with the rivaling Hamas group on a Palestinian unity government.
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