An Islamist website published a statement allegedly from al-Qaeda claiming that it was behind last Thursday’s double-pronged terrorist attacks on Israeli targets in Kenya. Simultaneously, a terror organization calling itself “Islamic al-Qaeda in Palestine” has begun spreading its name on the Internet, explaining that it is operating in Yasser Arafat’s Palestinian Authority. In a leaflet reportedly distributed in PA areas, potential al-Qaeda members are asked to swear allegiance to Osama bin Laden. While the authenticity of the internet announcements cannot be verified, the presence of al-Qaeda operatives in Judea, Samaria & Gaza was confirmed yesterday by IDF Chief of Staff Moshe (“Bogi”) Ya'alon during a visit to a recruiting base. However, the Chief of Staff also stated that, thanks to intelligence information, Israel has been able to eliminate certain al-Qaeda threats both in Israel and abroad.
Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz, also addressing the al-Qaeda threat, told the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Monday that attempts by the organization to infiltrate Israel have been frustrated by Israeli security services. Mofaz also warned that the terrorist threat is likely to worsen in the coming months, with the Mombasa attack being a watershed event. Regarding the Mombasa attack, IDF intelligence officer Brigadier-General Yossi Kupervasser told the Knesset Committee on Monday that there was advanced information regarding a planned terrorist attack in Africa. However, there were no specific warnings of an attack against Israel or of any details pointing to the events of last Thursday.
Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz, also addressing the al-Qaeda threat, told the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Monday that attempts by the organization to infiltrate Israel have been frustrated by Israeli security services. Mofaz also warned that the terrorist threat is likely to worsen in the coming months, with the Mombasa attack being a watershed event. Regarding the Mombasa attack, IDF intelligence officer Brigadier-General Yossi Kupervasser told the Knesset Committee on Monday that there was advanced information regarding a planned terrorist attack in Africa. However, there were no specific warnings of an attack against Israel or of any details pointing to the events of last Thursday.