The Palestinians are making do without us. Current intelligence indicates that at least 600 Kalashnikov rifles were smuggled into Judea and Samaria in the past two weeks.

The IDF and Border Police succeeded in partially preventing a large arms smuggling effort from Egypt two weeks ago. Fifty-seven Kalashnikov rifles were captured, but information received recently indicates that a much greater quantity was smuggled in without interference. The smuggling was done by Bedouins near Nitzana, and the weapons were brought to the West Bank from there. In addition to the rifles, RPG anti-tank rockets were also smuggled in. It is believed the rifles made their way to various terrorist groups, and perhaps even into the hands of people connected to the Palestinian police.

The IDF believes that these are some of the preparations by the terrorist organizations to resume the conflict immediately after disengagement, in September or October. As Ma’ariv revealed last week, the IDF is preparing for the possibility of renewed conflict by improving armoring for soldiers and vehicles by the target date of what the IDF believes will be the next round of fighting.

Meanwhile, it was learned that intelligence regarding the enormous amount of weaponry smuggled into the territories this month was also discussed in the situation assessment that Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz held over the weekend, arousing much concern. Israel has asked Palestinian officials to seize the smuggled weapons and confiscate them, as yet without results.

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