Israel completes arms shipment to Abbas: Report

Jerusalem, Jun 15: Israel has transferred nearly 1,000 M-16 rifles to forces loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas as part of moves to bolster the moderate leader against Hamas rivals, an Israeli newspaper reported today.

Israel's decision to allow shipment of the weapons from Jordan comes amid an increasingly violent power struggle between Abbas and the Islamic militant group, which formed the new Palestinian government in March after winning a parliamentary election.

The mass circulation Yedioth Ahronoth daily, which did not quote any officials, said shipment of about 950 of the American-made M-16s was completed in the past day.

Two trucks escorted by the Israeli army took 400 rifles to the West Bank city of Ramallah, where Abbas has his headquarters, it said. Another 550 guns were escorted to the Gaza Strip, Hamas's stronghold, it added.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said on Tuesday he had approved a shipment of weapons and ammunition to bolster Abbas's security forces.

''I did this because we are running out of time and we need to help Abu Mazen,'' Olmert had said, referring to Abbas by his nickname.

Palestinian officials and Western diplomats have said Jordan and Egypt would provide weapons, ammunition and training for Abbas's presidential guard.

Western powers want to ensure Abbas emerges victorious in any power struggle with Hamas, which is formally committed to destroying Israel rather than creating a state alongside it.

REUTERS

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