Israel smashes 'Bin Laden ring'

Bin Laden is said to have trained one suspect in Afghanistan

By Hilary Andersson in Jerusalem

The authorities in Israel say they have broken up a network of Islamic militants allegedly linked to the Saudi exile Osama Bin Laden.

The ring was uncovered by the Israeli secret service, Shin Bet. More than 20 Arabs have been arrested by Israeli and Palestinian security in recent months in connection with the case.

Mr Bin Laden, who is living in Afghanistan, is wanted by the United States for masterminding the bombings of US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania in 1998.

Bin Laden is wanted for masterminding the bombing of the US embassy in Kenya

Israeli radio reports that the group had been planning to carry out suicide bombings in Israel and to attack Jewish settlements and kidnap Israeli soldiers.

'Hamas link'

The man thought to be the local leader of the ring, Nabil Oukal, was arrested in Gaza in June.

He is reported to have been trained at camps sponsored by Mr Bin Laden in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Upon his return to the Palestinian areas, Mr Oukal allegedly forged links with the militant Hamas group based in the Gaza strip.

The Israeli defence establishment has been on high alert for fear of militant attacks, over the past few weeks.

Following the Camp David summit in the US last month, the peace process is at a pivotal juncture.

There is intense pressure on both the Israelis and the Palestinians to reach a deal before the September deadline for a final peace accord.

Islamic militants who are opposed to the peace process know that an attack on Israel at this point could prove to be a massive political disruption.