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Israel says iran training hamas { March 6 2007 } Original Source Link: (May no longer be active)    http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0703060042mar06,1,2838686.story?coll=chi-newsnationworld-hed http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0703060042mar06,1,2838686.story?coll=chi-newsnationworld-hed Israel spy chief: Iran training Hamas Move is greater threat than weapons, he says By Richard Boudreaux Tribune Newspapers: Los Angeles Times March 6, 2007 TEL AVIV -- The head of Israel's domestic intelligence agency said Monday that Iran is giving advanced military training to members of Hamas, a move he called a "strategic danger" to the Jewish state. Yuval Diskin, the director of Shin Bet, said the militant movement had dispatched fighters from the Gaza Strip to Iran for "months, maybe years" of instruction and that Iran had promised to train hundreds more. A Hamas spokesman denied the assertion. The training, if confirmed, would mean that Iran is expanding its alliance with Hamas, which Israel and the United States list as a terrorist organization and which has controlled the Palestinian Authority government for nearly a year. Since Western nations cut off funding to the Palestinian government last spring after Hamas' ascendance, Iran has given it at least $120 million in aid. Reports of Iran's training of Hamas militants, previously attributed to unnamed Israeli and Palestinian officials, have been circulating for weeks. Diskin's remark at a rare briefing for foreign reporters was the first such official claim and echoed a drumbeat of charges by the Bush administration that Iran exports terrorism. The intelligence chief said Hamas is continuing to stockpile weapons smuggled into Gaza through Egypt. But he said Hamas' development of arms factories in Gaza and its alleged training in Iran are greater long-term threats to Israel. Mosher Masri, a Hamas member of the Palestinian parliament, said Diskin was spreading a false allegation about training to undermine Hamas and build a case for renewed attacks in the Gaza Strip. Israel fought a five-month offensive in Gaza last year after Hamas-linked militants captured an Israeli soldier in a cross-border raid. Diskin said Hamas is taking advantage of a cease-fire reached with Israel in November to prepare for a future military confrontation. The soldier is still being held. Whether Israel continues to abide by the cease-fire depends on Egypt's ability to stop weapons smuggling into Gaza, Diskin said. Copyright © 2007, Chicago Tribune

British hostage helps hamas credibility { July 4 2007 } British journalist alan johnston freed by hamas { July 4 2007 } Hamas disassociates from extremist islamic group { May 9 2007 } Hamas exploits british hostage situation { July 4 2007 } Hamas frees captive bbc journalist { July 3 2007 } Hamas offers amnesty on first day of gaza rule { June 15 2007 } Hamas shows muscle in bbc deal { July 5 2007 } Hamas uses mickey mouse for islamic teachings { May 8 2007 } Hamas will recognize israel when palestine state exists Israel hurts abbas image with direct support { January 20 2007 } Israel not serious about strengthening abbas { June 2007 } Israel says iran training hamas { March 6 2007 } Israel to free 250 palestinians but not Barghouti { June 2007 } Palestinian factions head up their rivalry { June 13 2007 } US says israel violated cluster bomb use { January 29 2007 } Violence grows between fatah hamas { May 17 2007 } West to restart direct aid to palestinians { June 18 2007 } Files Listed: 17

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