Naharnet

Israeli Officer: Iran, Hizbullah Sending Experts to Train Hamas Militants

A senior officer in Israel's Southern Command has said Iran and Hizbullah frequently send experts to the Gaza Strip to train Hamas forces, crossing through illicit tunnels on the Gaza-Egypt border.

Some foreign experts are even stationed in Gaza, he said.

The official spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity under military guidelines barring publication of his name.

"We have spotted them," he said. "We know the people. We have names."

The official refused to share the names but noted Hamas' newfound expertise in making roadside bombs planted along Gaza's border with Israel and its recent use of a sophisticated Kornet anti-tank rocket.

"Hamas didn't have this knowledge" before the Israeli offensive, he said.

In the past, Israel's minister of strategic affairs, Moshe Yaalon, has claimed Hizbullah infiltrated agents into Gaza. He did not provide evidence.(AP-Naharnet)

Source: Associated Press


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