Brigadier General Yossi Baidatz
Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Office
Syria wary of Israeli attack, says IDF
Head of research in Military Intelligence says Syria keeps watchful eye on Israel, warns next Hamas-Fatah clash might sweep West Bank
The rift between Hamas and
Fatah shows no signs of improvement despite efforts to resume negotiations, Brigadier General Yossi Baidatz, head of the research division of Military Intelligence, told the cabinet Sunday.
According to Baidatz, Hamas' strength in the Gaza Strip continues to grow as the organization, which whished to be recognized as a legitimate regime, pays the wages of all those who were cut off the Palestinian Authority's payroll.
"The next clash between the two might sweep the West Bank," he said adding "we've seen several violent clashes between Fatah and Hamas so far… Fatah are working to reduce Hamas' reach within the West Bank, but they rely heavily on IDF presence in the area."
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Baidatz further spoke of the Palestinian militias' intent to continue firing mortar shells and Qassam rockets on Israel. "They are preparing for the next stage of the conflict mainly through the accumulation of advanced weaponry," he said.
The Syrians, Baidatz believes are keeping a watchful eye on Israel: "the Syrians are concerned about going to war and would probably not initiate one.
"We recognize heightened alertness on Syria's part, to our actions and statements. They assume we are planning to attack them as some point," he said.
Baidatz also addressed the Iranian nuclear concern saying the continuing lack of international action allows Tehran to avoid implementing the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) instruction as to its nuclear program.
