Israel fears third intifada

Israel's security establishment seems to be misreading the runes at the Fatah conference. They think a third Intifada is looming because Fatah will stick to its commitment to liberate all of historic Palestine. Unfortunately the resolutions and words coming out of the conference are just that. But what is true is that Fatah leaders are under enormous pressure from the rank and file to change their policies of collaboration with the IDF in trying to isolate and destroy Hamas. However, Fatah's defence of the idea, if not the fact, of armed resistance is to be welcomed.

Bethlehem – Ma’an – Decisions made at the Fatah conference in Bethlehem could result in a third Palestinian Intifada (uprising), former Israeli security chief Avi Dichter warned the day before the conference began.

"Fatah's statements are clearing the way to what may eventually be the third Intifada," he was quoted as saying by the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth in a story published late Monday. "Once you say that the fight will go on by all means necessary – anyone in their right mind understands that spells an armed conflict... Such a decision by the congress would send us years back."

Dichter, the former head of Shin Bet, Israel’s spy agency in the occupied territories, specifically expressed concern that the Fatah delegates assembled in Bethlehem would reaffirm the movement’s 1965 charter, which calls for the liberation of all of historic Palestine.

"What I find particularly disturbing is that it's the moderates that plan to have the convention vote on an article titled 'continuing the fight against Israel by all means necessary.' Sixteen years after the Oslo Accords, it's Fatah's way of saying they see an armed conflict as a legitimate way to conduct dialogue with Israel.

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