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Source: http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3265380,00.html
IDF Intelligence Chief: Strategic Threats to Israel Rising
(Ynet News) Ahiya Raved - * Strategic threats to Israel have increased in the past year, Israel's military intelligence chief, Maj.-Gen. Amos Yadlin said Tuesday. * The prime reason was Iran's determination to attain nuclear weapons and the fact that Tehran renewed research and development in the field. * Another element was the weakening of the American drive in Iraq. * Another factor was the adoption of the democratic model which now aids many extremist organizations to seize power - as happened with the Hizballah in Lebanon, Hamas in the PA, and the Muslim Brotherhood which has gained strength in Egypt. * Yadlin noted Hamas' rise to power and increasing faith in the success of Palestinian resistance through terrorism. This trend was reinforced by Israel's disengagement from Gaza, he said. * He also noted that recent rhetoric and activities from al-Qaeda frequently focus on Israel and the Middle East. * A final element was the rise in oil prices. When a barrel of oil cost $20, Iran was on the verge of bankruptcy, but now the price is reaching $70, "and every dollar from every barrel of oil sold means another billion in Ahmadinejad's budget."