An Iranian-sponsored insurgency group, flushed with significant funding, has established a support network in Israel. Israeli officials said Islamic Jihad has spent tens of thousands of dollars to establish sleeper and support cells in Israel. The officials said the cells facilitated the entry of Jihad insurgents for attacks in major Israeli cities. "For years, Jihad was at the mercy of other terrorist groups for logistical support," an official said. "That is no longer the case. Jihad has now bought its own network in Israel."
On Wednesday, five Israelis were killed and 38 people were injured in a suicide bombing in the northern city of Hadera. Officials said Jihad used the Israeli sleeper network to help transport the 21-year-old bomber from his home in the West Bank town of Kabatya to Hadera, about 50 kilometers north of Tel Aviv. |