Addressing the Sunday morning cabinet meeting, Mossad Intelligence Agency Director Yuval Diskin told ministers that Hamas continues to make advances, now in possession of longer-range rockets capable of hitting communities north of Ashkelon such as Ashdod and Kiryat Gat.

Diskin added that unfortunately, time is working in favor of Hamas, which is strengthening its ties with Iran and is already in possession of longer-range rockets manufactured by Tehran. Hamas regularly uses Philadelphi Route to smuggle in weapons, more advanced weapons than have been seen in Gaza to date.

The Mossad director explained there are major gaps on key issues, such as Gilad Shalit, as well as Hamas’ demands that a truce includes a cessation of IDF operations in all of Yehuda and Shomron. These and other points are preventing an agreement between Israel and Hamas. As such, Egypt is growing increasingly tense, not wishing to be the recipient of an explosion when Hamas renews demands to open Rafiah Crossing in light of Israel’s ongoing embargo.

Diskin stated he continues to lose sleep as security in southern Israel deteriorates, stating this must remain the government’s first priority, protecting its citizens.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)