JERUSALEM, Oct. 16 (UPI) -- An Israeli Defense Forces official has said the Hamas-led Palestinian Authority has obtained anti-aircraft weapons in Gaza.
Research Chief Brig.-Gen. Yossi Baidatz said Hamas plans to use the weapons against Israeli fighter planes and civilian aircraft in future conflicts, Arutz Sheva reported Monday. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Miri Eisin said the weapons are being bought and smuggled into Gaza by Iran.
Baidatz said Hamas has created plans to smuggle similar weapons into Judea and Samaria, imperiling aircraft taking off from and landing at Ben Gurion International Airport.
The intelligence head revealed that Hamas has obtained the same anti-tank weapons used against the IDF in Lebanon, making a ground assault on Gaza a more dangerous option.
He also said a steady flow of weapons has continued to enter Lebanon from Syria as part of a Syrian plan to attack Israel.
