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The head of the research division of Military Intelligence, Brigadier General Yossi Baidatz
Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Office
Hizbullah leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah
Photo: AP

IDF says Hizbullah is back to pre-war capability

Military Intelligence estimates Shiite group has succeeded in restoring war readiness

The Shiite group Hizbullah has succeeded in rehabilitating its forces, a senior army official said Monday.

 

Hizbullah is now almost at the same strength as it was before last summer's war, he said.

 

Speaking to the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Brigadier General Yossi Baidatz, the head of the Military Intelligence's Research Division, softened his assessment when contradicted by Defense Minister Amir Peretz who charged that Hizbullah's strength cannot be measured and that Baidatz was referring to the group's potential.

 

Committee members slammed Baidatz's inconsistent testimony and referred the issue to a subcommittee where discussions are held behind closed doors.

 

Likud MK Silvan Shalom said Baidatz retracted on his initial assessment because he had been "shocked" by his words.

 

"In any case, there is no doubt that (UN) Resolution 1701 is terrible and failed completely. Hizbullah continues to arm, the kidnapped soldiers have not returned," said Shalom, referring to the UN Resolution that ended 34 days of fighting between Hizbullah and Israel.

 

Turning his attention to Syria, Baidatz said Damascus is upgrading its military arsenal for fear of confrontation with Israel. "Syria is undergoing a process of military strengthening. The Syrians are worried about a military confrontation with Israel and they do not want to initiate that," he said.

 

Peretz says relations with Olmert are fine

Peretz told committee members that his relations with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert were fine, wishing he was able to meet his family as many times as he meets the prime minister.

 

Amid reports that his relations with the prime minister had deteriorated, Peretz told the committee that, "Last month I met with Prime Minister Olmert 20 times ... I wish I had met my family as frequently."

  

Last week Olmert told the committee that his relations with Peretz were "sound."

 

There have been reports in the Israeli media that Olmert was on the verge of firing Peretz.

 

Amnon Meranda contributed to this report

 


פרסום ראשון: 02.19.07, 13:22
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