[Dr. Aaron Lerner - IMRA:

Israel Radio reports that Diskin also told the Knesset's Foreign Affairs
and Defense Committee that Hamas now has 200 tons of explosives and 10
million bullets and has continued to smuggle weapons and explosives from
Egypt. He expected the "calm" to continue for half a year as Hamas
continues to strengthen itself.

In contrast, Israel Radio reports that Defense Minister Barak said today
that the ceasefire is a success because, lately, the Palestinians haven't
shot. Barak suggested that the "calm" would expedite the Shalit-terrorist
trade being worked on.]

Diskin says Hamas using truce to plant mines in Gaza
Shin Bet chief tells Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee that
Palestinian group has missiles which can reach Kiryat Gat, Ashdod; adds he
opposes Barghouti's release
Amnon Meranda YNET Published: 07.22.08, 12:34 / Israel News
www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3571546,00.html

Hamas has been taking advantage of the truce in order to plant mines in wide
areas in the Gaza Strip, Shin Bet Director Yuval Diskin warned the Knesset's
Foreign Affairs on Tuesday.

"This is one of the reasons I objected to the ceasefire," he said. "I'm not
saying how we should do thing, but in order to fight terror we have no
choice but to be present in the area."

Diskin also said he strongly opposes the release of former Fatah
Secretary-General Marwan Barghouti, who was sentenced to five life
imprisonments, as part of a deal which would secure the release of kidnapped
soldier Gilad Shalit.

The Shin Bet chief went on to say that "Hamas today has missiles which can
reach Kiryat Gat, and maybe even Ashdod."

Diskin said the Palestinian group was interested in maintaining the truce in
order to stabilize its power and rule. Israeli officials recently expressed
their concern over Hamas' armament during the ceasefire.

The Shin Bet chief added that "the truce is enabling Hamas to get stronger.
They have not abandoned their long-term plans. They were not required to
stop the smuggling and return (kidnapped soldier) Gilad Shalit in return,
and they have achieved their main goals."

According to Diskin, there is no other way but to control the area. "Ever
since Operation Defense Shield, there has been a dramatic drop in the number
of terror attacks originating in the West Bank due to the IDF's presence in
the area and due to the (separation) fence."