US Official Admits Lack of Intelligence on Hamas Amidst Jerusalem Tensions

Strategic Insights -

The US official revealed that Washington's official ban on contact with the militant Hamas organization is hindering its ability to gather a full intelligence picture of the situation in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. This lack of information forced the US to rely on second-hand sources, making it difficult to gauge the strength of Hamas, which has been gaining strength despite the US assessment that it has been losing ground. The ban stems from Hamas's designation as a terrorist group, responsible for killing numerous Israeli civilians and soldiers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US prohibition on diplomatic contact with Hamas limits the US's ability to gather accurate intelligence on the group's activities.
  • US officials rely on second-hand information from contacts with "Islamacists" who are close to Hamas but do not openly identify with the organization.
  • The current US assessment suggests that Hamas has been losing strength since the PLO took charge of Gaza and Jericho.
  • The situation is similar to the lack of direct contacts with the PLO until the group renounced terrorism and signed an accord with Israel last September.
  • US officials view Hamas as a significant challenge to the PLO's control in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
  • The US has maintained contact with varied groups and individuals in Gaza, but this has not provided a complete picture of Hamas's activities.
  • The US official described Yasser Arafat as a master manipulator who has played on brinksmanship throughout his career, controlling money and building alliances to sustain himself.
  • Arafat's desire to maintain his influence and control in the Palestinian Authority has led to frustration among Western countries that have pledged $2.4 billion to support the new Palestinian Authority.

Statistics:

  • $2.4 billion: The amount pledged by foreign countries to support the new Palestinian Authority.
  • 13 September: The date of the declaration of principles signed by Arafat with Israel.
  • 1970s-80s: The period during which the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) was similarly isolated.
  • 1999: The year in which the US began to re-engage with the PLO.

Sources:

  • "U.S. official: Ban on talking to Hamas hampers intelligence on Palestinians" by Jonathan Ferziger (United Press International)
  • "US Official: Hamas Losing Strength" by AP (Associated Press)
  • "Arafat for the Record" by Steve Weissman