Defensive Shield won't end terror, senior IDF source admits

A senior army source said yesterday that Operation Defensive Shield has caused long-range harm to the terror infrastructure in the territories, but has not undermined Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat's standing. He said that the Israeli Defense Force's actions in the West Bank cities have bolstered the militant spirit among Palestinians along with their hatred for Israel. "Belief in the path of Jihad is growing stronger," he warned.

The senior officer added that in the short term, Palestinian terror organizations will try launching attacks from areas the IDF left, to prove they are able to continue their fight against the Israeli army. That is what happened in the bus bombing at the Yagur junction.

However, the officer said, a drop in the extent of terror attacks can be expected thanks to the success of the IDF in arresting or killing many known terrorists. Nonetheless, he admitted, the terror infrastructure can be expected to grow again.