Bottom Line, Terrorists Remain An Armed Threat

Israel National News ^ | 20:50 Jul. 13, '03 / 13 Tammuz 5763

[yonif]

(IsraelNN.com) In a report from the PA, it is stated that 20 PA residents were taken into custody over the weekend on suspicion of illegally possessing firearms.

It is being reported that PA forces have begun efforts towards dismantling terrorist organizations, primarily Hamas and the Islamic Jihad. This is to be accomplished by collecting their weapons. Hamas and the Jihad have issued joint statements that they would not cooperate and will not permit their weapons to be taken away. In addition, the terrorists promise that efforts to collect their guns will mark the end of the PA's Hudna cease-fire and a resumption of attacks against Israeli targets.

Seeking to appease the international community and permit terrorists to continue to operate, PA officials announced they are now arresting persons who are using the guns "criminally," as opposed to those using the weapons for the "Intifada," i.e. the Oslo War.

In the meantime, Jerusalem continues preparing lists of "prisoners" to be released, terrorists that are now behind lock and key. Some cabinet ministers insist the Hudna hinges on the prisoner release, a "confidence building measure" imposed on Israel. US Secretary of State Powell last week told CNN he hopes Israel releases additional PA "prisoners".

In the meantime, the PA has not begun to get serious about dismantling the terrorist infrastructure, while PA Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) explains he must "negotiate" with Hamas and the Jihad. Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz repeatedly calls for the dismantling of the terrorist infrastructure, resulting in the weekend arrests of the 20 suspects. This while Israeli official estimate there are thousands of armed PA residents, many with automatic weapons.

There are approximately 6,000 "security prisoners" in our jails, including persons actually found guilty and sentenced for their role in terror attacks, while there are others with more minor roles, all with the unified goal of striking out against Israel. Israel insists she will not release any prisoner "with blood on his hands," but reports are already indicating the harsh realities of the prisoner release will include some of those terrorists as well [as has been the case in the past following the same declarations].

Some senior security and intelligence community officials have also issued statements of caution, explaining the terrorists may be using the valuable 90-day Hudna cease-fire to rebuild their networks and rearm themselves.

Last week, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Moshe Ya'alon confirmed the reduced number of daily terror threats and attacks, going as far as saying there was room for cautious optimism. The commander added however that we must remain vigilant – pointing out it is too soon to let down our guard as long as the terror organizations remain intact and operational within PA autonomous areas.