Israel has achieved a significant success in the fight against the Hamas leadership. Special forces from Israel’s internal intelligence service Shin Bet arrested Muein al-Arabid during an operation in Gaza City. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israel Defense Forces, and the Shin Bet confirmed the operation.
Special forces storm building
According to the IDF and Shin Bet, special forces stormed a building in Gaza City and arrested al-Arabid. The operation took place near his place of residence. Netanyahu described the operation as a “bold mission” and praised the security forces involved.
Previously, Arab media had reported that an Israeli-backed Palestinian militia had attempted to abduct a senior Hamas official. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz had also initially stated that a high-ranking Hamas member had been captured following an operation with Israeli air support.
However, the later official account made clear that Shin Bet special forces had carried out the arrest. The IDF supported the operation.
Al-Arabid is said to have headed Hamas’s internal security apparatus. This is responsible for maintaining the organization’s control over the Gaza Strip and pursuing opponents. According to Israeli statements, al-Arabid was also involved in securing senior Hamas officials.
Netanyahu stated that the detainee was “one of the most senior leaders of Hamas.” He had been responsible, among other things, for hiding and transporting Israeli hostages, protecting senior Hamas officials, and contributing to the rebuilding of the organization’s military capabilities.
Hamas aims to restore control in Gaza
According to Netanyahu, al-Arabid had most recently been involved in restoring Hamas’s rule over the Gaza Strip. He had also attempted to conceal the organization’s disarmament and to support terrorist attacks on Israeli soldiers and civilians.
The arrest took place during a larger Israeli military operation in Gaza City. The IDF confirmed that Israeli forces continue to target Hamas structures in the city. Defense Minister Katz stated: “We do not wait for threats. We pursue Hamas terrorists, thwart them, and destroy their terrorist infrastructure.”
According to Israeli sources, no Israeli soldiers were injured during the operation.
The arrest is also significant for Israel because the internal security apparatus plays an important role in maintaining Hamas’s rule. While Israel seeks to destroy the terrorist organization’s military capabilities, Hamas is simultaneously working to restore its control over parts of the Gaza Strip.
The operation demonstrates that Israel continues to possess detailed intelligence within the Gaza Strip and is capable of precisely tracking down senior Hamas officials. For Jerusalem, dismantling Hamas’s leadership and security structures remains a central component of the war.
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