Real IRA suspect arrested in Israel
Israeli security forces are questioning a man believed to be a Real IRA bomb expert, who was arrested in the West Bank.
The man is accused of training Palestinian militants in the use of explosives, and was arrested following a reported manhunt for the dissident republican in the region.
The Real IRA formed in response to the Provision IRA’s commitment to the ongoing peace process in Northern Ireland. It is largely made up of former ‘Provos’ who defected because of their continued commitment to a violent struggle.
It is also not uncommon for republican groups in Northern Ireland to form ties to militant movements around the world. In recent years there have been arrests of Irish republicans in South America, and the connection to the Palestinian cause dates back decades.
Israel has been more aware of the danger that foreign nationals pose to their security since two British bombers launched attacks earlier in the year, and it was reported that there were suspicions about a possible bomb expert travelling on a British passport.
The incident is unlikely to derail the developing peace process by itself, though there are ongoing difficulties ahead for the Palestinians and Israelis. Palestinian groups have restated their willingness to return to conflict and end their recently called truce.
Israel’s Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, has recently committed to resolving the conflict by the end of his current term of office. As this incident shows, he still has a long way to go before a sceptical Palestinian population will believe he means it.
