ASSESSMENTS

Iran, Syria: Smuggling Weapons to Gain Influence in the West Bank

Aug 9, 2013 | 15:52 GMT

Iran, Syria: Smuggling Weapons to Gain Influence in the West Bank
Palestinian militants in Saair, West Bank, on Feb. 25.

(Photo by Uriel Sinai/Getty Images)

Summary

There are growing indications that Iran, Syria and their local proxies may be attempting to build up militant capabilities in the West Bank to eventually threaten Israel. Physically transferring weapons into Fatah-controlled West Bank will remain a key challenge, as recent arrests of weapons smugglers in Jordan have shown. Though Iran and Syria face many constraints in trying to spread militancy to the West Bank, their quiet efforts are worth noting, particularly as Hamas and Iran are now finding reasons to repair their relationship after a period of strain.

Tehran and Damascus want to expand their militant network in the Fatah-held territory to gain leverage against Israel....

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