Dichter. Expects war on terror
Photo: Oriya Tadmor
Dichter: Hamas obtained 200 tons of explosives
Internal security minister says most of explosives originated in Palestinian Authority, expresses his concern over possibility of similar situation in West Bank
Internal Security Minister Avi Dichter warned Wednesday that over the past three months Hamas
has equipped itself with 200 tons of explosives, most of which were obtained from the Palestinian Authority.
Speaking at Tel Aviv University, the minister said he expected the PA to fight terror.
"When they do that, I hope we will be able to express our appreciation for their efforts, rather than lose our heads," he added.
Dichter expresses his concern over the possibility of a similar situation taking place in the West Bank.
"I am mentioning this issue of the weapon transfers in Gaza, sometimes from one street to another, so that we can understand the risks we are taking in the Judea and Samaria, unless we demand that they enforce the law."
The minister also said, "The ease in which Hamas took over Gaza worries me. I demand that the Palestinian Authority enforce the law through police and security organizations, prosecution bodies, courts and jails for convicted people."
Addressing the US- sponsored Mideast peace conference, Dichter said, "I expect the Annapolis conference to serve as an incentive for the Palestinians in their war on terror."
At the beginning of the week, Dichter told the Quartet envoy to the Middle East, Tony Blair, that "law enforcement by the Palestinians is a condition for the implementation of the Road Map."
