Intelligence Bureau Warns of Homegrown Palestinian Terrorism
The Middle East Times notes that the Israeli intelligence agency “Shin Bet has traditionally been an advocate of tough deterrence and punitive measures against Palestinians carrying out attacks.” But a new development could mark a radical shift in the Israeli military approach. Shin Bet has warned that tough tactics against Palestinians are increasing agitation rather than preventing it. The report issued by the agency also cautioned that terrorist attacks are increasingly coming from Palestinians within Israel. “In the past, terrorists from East Jerusalem acted mainly as support units for attacks, usually under instruction by outside networks in the Gaza Strip and West Bank.”
The fact that terrorist attacks are increasingly coming from inside Israel can be taken as a sign that the separation barrier is proving somewhat successful, but this is a double-edged sword. The wall is clearly frustrating Palestinians within Israel, which is increasing the potential for violence.
Gavin Yerxa
