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Military Intelligence Official: Hizbullah Using Period of Calm to Rearm

Iran is halfway to a nuclear bomb, and Hizbullah, Hamas and Syria are using the status-quo to significantly rearm, the head of the Israeli military intelligence research division said, according to media reports.
"Iran is developing a command of uranium-enrichment technology and is galloping toward a nuclear bomb," Brig. Gen. Yossi Baidatz told the Israeli cabinet on Sunday.

"The time when they will have crossed the nuclear point-of-no-return is fast approaching," he said.

In addition to their nuclear efforts, the Iranians were increasing their influence in the region through cooperation with Syria and "Palestinian terrorist organizations," Baidatz reportedly told the Israeli cabinet.

Tehran is also the main arms supplier to Hizbullah and a source of constant attacks on American troops in Iraq, he added.

On Damascus, Baidatz said: Syria "is funneling a great deal of weapons and ammunition to Lebanon, tightening its relations with Iran and fortifying its aerial and ground defenses, with Russia's and Iran's assistance."

As for Hizbullah, Baidatz told the ministers that the Shiite group "is not gearing up for a conflict, but it will continue trying to target Israeli aircraft and using the calm on the northern border to rearm."

On the Gaza Strip, Baidatz also said that Hamas and "other terrorist organizations" have taken advantage of the cease-fire to rearm and prepare for the next round of fighting.

Beirut, 22 Sep 08, 05:50


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