“Israeli” Intelligence Chief Claims Iran Exploits ME Turmoil to Gain Regional Influence

According to Haaretz "Israeli" newspaper, Kochavi told "Israeli" lawmakers on Tuesday that Iran was involved in planning two violent confrontations with crowds that tried to breach "Israel's" frontiers with Lebanon and Syria in recent months. Furthermore, the "Israeli" intelligence official claimed that along with Hizbullah, Iran is providing assistance to the Syrian regime in suppressing mass protests against it.

The daily added that Kochavi did not provide evidence to support his assertions; however "Israel" regularly accuses Iran of funding and arming "Israel's" enemies, particularly Hizbullah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

On its part, Tehran has repeatedly denied involvement in the uprisings sweeping the Arab world, although it praises them to be Islamic uprisings and constantly affirmed it will support people against their tyrant regimes.

Kochavi's remarks about Iran were made in a closed parliamentary hearing, and were leaked by a participant who spoke under the condition of anonymity, Haaretz further reported.

"They are transferring knowledge, technical aid and means for dispersing demonstrations," Kochavi claimed during the closed session. "Iran and Hizbullah's motivation to help (Syria) results from their fear of the implications of the demonstrations, particularly of losing their partnership with the Syrians and a trickling of protests into their territory," he added.

On another hand, "Israeli" military intelligence chief stated that Iran was also taking advantage of the turmoil in the region in order to gain influence in other countries, such as Bahrain, Sudan, Yemen and Iraq.