[Ha'aretz] Amos Harel and Avi Issacharoff - After Palestinian Prime Minister Haniyeh's recent visit to Tehran, Israeli defense experts see Iran seeking to form a strategic alliance with Hamas similar to its relationship with Hizballah, in which the "final word" is Tehran's. Iran recently committed to transfer $250 million to pay wages for civil servants and members of security forces affiliated with Hamas. "These gifts are not free," Israeli security sources said. "The Iranians are expecting returns: a rise in influence among the Palestinians and Hamas compliance to their orders." Hamas is continuing to expand its arsenal, and its security organizations have been recruiting deserters from Fatah-affiliated groups.
2006-12-14 01:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive