Iran must strengthen foothold in West Bank: IRGC commander

A senior commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says it has become a necessity for Iran to enhance its powerbase in the West Bank.

Brigadier General Iraj Masjedi said Saturday that Iran must try to increase its military power in the West Bank as well as the Gaza Strip in order to contain Israel inside the occupied territories.

“We must contain Israel … so that it never dares to speak about a missile attack on Iran, we must reinforce our power in the West Bank and Gaza,” said Masjedi, who serves as top advisor to commander of IRGC Quds Force.

The high-ranking commander urged the Palestinian movements inside the West Bank to stop negotiating with Israelis and instead, engage in armed resistance against the Tel Aviv regime.

“The Palestine Liberation Organization must know that what brings them victory is not political negotiation but only resistance and (military) power, and this is what Hezbollah and Hamas have been doing,” Masjedi said while addressing a conference in the northeastern city of Mashhad.

Hezbollah attack just the beginning

The Iranian commander also elaborated on the recent retaliatory attack by Hezbollah fighters in south Lebanon which killed two Israeli soldiers and left nine more injured. The attack was in response to Israel’s killing of six Hezbollah fighters and an Iranian commander on January 18 in the Syrian Golan Heights.

Masjedi described Hezbollah as a “powerful” and “wise” organization which never makes any uncalculated, hasty decision.

He said Israelis call Hezbollah chief Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah as the “honest man,” meaning that they trust his words when he warns about retaliation.

“Hezbollah’s recent action was not the ultimate response to the Zionist regime,” he warned the Israelis.

Commenting on Iran’s assistance to Hezbollah, the commander said Iran’s support has enabled the resistance group defend itself against the Israelis.

“Hezbollah … has gained the power to deter the threats and make the enemy regret its acts of aggression in all forms of confrontation,” he said.

MS/HMV/SS

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