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Last update - 14:13 12/02/2008 IDF arrests W. Bank money changers, confiscates funds destined for terror groups By The Associated Press Tags: terrorism, West Bank, Israel  Israel Defense Forces troops raided 14 money-changing offices in the West Bank on Tuesday, confiscating nearly $850,000 and arresting five Palestinians on suspicion funds were transferred from abroad to militant groups, the army said. Palestinian militants in recent months have successfully increased the amount of funds they receive from abroad, allowing them to expand their operations, the army said. In the last three months of 2007, a total of $3.4 million was transferred to Palestinian militant groups, most of it to Hamas in the West Bank, according to the statement. "The money serves as gas that fuels the terror activities|, the army said. Advertisement A total of $843,000 was confiscated in Tuesday's raids, the army said. Israel has said the money comes at least in part from Iran, although the army did not mention the country in Tuesday's statement. Soldiers raided money-changing businesses in several West Bank towns, including Nablus, Hebron and Jenin. Five businesses were targeted in Hebron, said the owner of two of the shops, Fadel Abdeen. Palestinian witnesses said the soldiers detained 10 money changers at four locations in the West Bank and confiscated thousands of dollars in cash and checks. Asman Abu Saud, a money changer in Nablus, denied transferring money to militants. He said he is not authorized to make money transfers and did not know why he had been targeted. "They came to me at 2 A.M., forced me to go to my office in the center of Nablus and took all my money," said Abu Saud. "I don't know how much was there. They took all my passports and my kids' passports and their birth certificates and the computer." Another money changer from the town of Jenin, Mohammed al-Saadi, said the troops took more than $109,000 from him. The soldiers also confiscated three pistols, gun parts, documents and CDs, the army said. Israel accuses Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, of also smuggling money into the territory from Egypt to fund its militant activities like rocket firings against Israel, but has been unable to crack down on the activity since it does not have a presence on the border there. In September 2006, IDF troops confiscated nearly $1.5 million in raids on money changers, saying the cash came from Iran and was destined for Palestinian militant groups. The money traveled through Hamas, Islamic Jihad and Hezbollah commands in Lebanon and Syria, it said. In 2004, troops confiscated $10.4 million in a similar operation, the army said Bookmark to del.icio.us   Gore wins TAU prize Al Gore and Amos OZ are among the recipients of the 2008 Dan David Prize. Spring roll strike Asian eateries across Israel cut menu over plans to rid kitchens of foreign chefs.   1.   mafia state... 15:06  |  palestinian 12/02/08   2.   to Palestinian Brit # 1 16:11  |  dovale 12/02/08   3.   thievery in at all levels and in everyway! 16:43  |  Nabulsi 12/02/08   4.   Extra judicial 17:06  |  Joe 12/02/08   5.   Smacks of money laundering. 18:10  |  Stephen. 12/02/08   6.   IDF`s excuse to steal Palestinian money... 10:20  |  Silvienne 13/02/08   7.   #3, Nabulsi...good post...I agree 10:22  |  Silvienne 13/02/08   8.   What happens to the money next 17:13  |  zionist forever 13/02/08   9.   #1 17:21  |  zionist forever 13/02/08

Today Online Hezbollah terror chief killed in Damascus blast; Israel blamed Responses: 283 PM: Major progress possible on borders of Palestinian state Responses: 88 Barak says ministerial calls for action in Gaza are 'dangerous' Responses: 66 Amira Hass: Gazans wonder what's new about Israel wiping out neighborhoods Responses: 37 Haaretz.com TV: Teen recalls Qassam attack in which his brother lost a leg Responses: 6 Rosner's Domain Jewish vote in Maryland: Why was Clinton on top? Guest: Bush is a friend and a very wise and courageous leader Israel should stop giving fuel/food to Gaza (WTR) Poll: Is it legitimate to cut electricity to Gaza? Obama is gaining momentum - also among Jews More Headlines 17:36 Hezbollah terror chief Imad Mughniyah killed in Damascus blast 17:37 Syria: Naturally U.S., Israel would hit Mughniyah for money 17:38 PMO denies Israeli role in Imad Mughniyah's death 14:28 Hezbollah deputy leader was behind string of terror attacks 16:36 Report: New Hamas TV show features 'Jew-eating' Bugs Bunny lookalike 16:52 Qassam strikes a Sderot house causing damage but no injuries 13:16 ANALYSIS: Hezbollah terror chief was more wanted than Nasrallah 13:06 ANALYSIS: Imad Mughniyah - The epitome of the 'Axis of Evil' 14:54 Jewish Agency envoy arrested over fraudulent conversions 17:32 Residents of north: Israel has declared Jihad on us 15:45 Court okays soldier's 15-month jail term for Hebron rampage 05:16 Fatah undergoing major democratic reform to compete with Hamas, Fayyad Previous Editions Select Day 12 feb 11 feb 10 feb 08 feb 07 feb 06 feb 05 feb 04 feb 03 feb 01 feb 31 jan 30 jan

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