Israel security chief warns lifting blockade risky

[June 15, 2010]  JERUSALEM (AP) -- A top Israeli security official is warning that lifting Israel's naval blockade of Gaza could pose a grave threat to the Jewish state.

Shin Bet chief Yuval Diskin told a parliamentary committee Tuesday that Gaza militants have 5,000 rockets -- the most specific estimate Israel has issued. His remarks were reported by a meeting participant who spoke on condition of anonymity because the session was closed.

Diskin said Israel's security wouldn't be compromised if it let more goods into Gaza through Israeli-controlled land crossings. But lifting the naval blockade could allow weapons in more easily.

Israel has come under international pressure to ease the blockade since its deadly raid on a blockade-busting flotilla headed for Gaza.

[Associated Press; By AMY TEIBEL]

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