Palestinian militant groups are seeking to launch a wide-scale attack on Israel's 60th Independence Day in May, Israeli Military Intelligence chief Amos Yadlin warned Tuesday.
The major general told the cabinet that his agents have detected signs indicating the militants are planning an ambitious attack, which might resemble the one the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) foiled ten days ago at the border with the Gaza Strip, local daily Ha' aretz reported.
The Hamas movement was also trying to break the blockade imposed on the coastal strip through another border breach, and the site might be on the Israeli border this time, Yadlin added, alluding to the January breach on the Egyptian border where Egypt has beefed up military presence.
"However, if the popular move fails, Hamas may try to breach the border in a military operation," he was quoted as warning.
Attempts to kidnap Israelis are also possible, along with sniper shots along the border and explosive devices in the area, he added, noting that the political leaders of Hamas are losing some of their power to the military leaders.
In the foiled attack on the early morning of April 19, 13 IDF soldiers were wounded when two explosive-laden vehicles, disguised as military jeeps, exploded near the Kerem Shalom crossing after approaching under heavy morning fog, while another vehicle was prevented from blasting.
Hamas has agreed to an Egyptian proposal on a ceasefire with Israel, while Israeli officials have said such a deal has no point before Hamas restrains other militant groups from attacking the Jewish state.
Source:Xinhua
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