Palestinians developing long-range artillery
GSS commander: Palestinians attempting to neutralize the security barrier.
Says terror organizations are trying to fabricate chemical weapons.
Arik Bender Maariv 24 February 2004
http://maarivintl.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=article&articleID=3544

[IMRA: This information comes out a day after Deputy Defense Minister, Zeev
Boim (Likud) explained that Israel was removing a fence that closed
Qalqiliya off from the east. This barrier and checkpoint - until now - made
it possible for Israel to try and prevent terrorists from bringing Qassam
rockets, mortars and other weapons to shoot from Qalqiliya to Kfar Sava,
Raanana and other Israeli cities in the Sharon region.]

GSS (Shin Bet) commander Avi Dichter today (Tuesday) told the foreign
Affairs and Defense committee that the Palestinians are trying to develop
artillery and other weapons systems that would render the barrier
ineffective.

He said Israel's planned unilateral disengagement would not have any affect
on the Palestinians. "They would be developing such weapons whether we stay
or leave Gaza", he said. He also said that he did not think the
disengagement would change the Palestinian political map. "Hamas is not
going to take over after we leave, the PA has more resources, and Hamas
knows this, and will not opt for a show down".

He said that Israel might be forced to invade Gaza for a limited period
after the withdrawal, if the Palestinians start using any long-range weapons
they would have developed.

He said the barrier had proven itself, and that terror was down sharply in
areas where the barrier was up, especially Samaria. "The main effort is now
around Jerusalem and the Kfar Kassem area, where the barrier is still on the
drawing boards.
He warned of the growing Iranian threat. "Iran is the number one sponsor of
terrorism. They have a dossier on potential Israeli and Jewish targets, and
can organize and carry out attacks within a short time. In Argentina they
carried out terror attacks 3 weeks after deciding on the target".