Shin Bet Captures Senior Hamas Security Chief in Gaza Operation

In a special operation, Israel's Shin Bet security agency, in coordination with the IDF, captured Mu'in al-Arabeed, identified as Hamas's head of internal security for the entire Gaza Strip. The operation, which took place near Gaza City under the command of the Southern Command, saw Shin Bet special forces raid a structure and apprehend al-Arabeed, who was transferred to Israel injured. The Israeli Air Force conducted targeted strikes on military targets in the area during the operation to neutralize threats to the forces. Both the IDF and Shin Bet reported no Israeli casualties.

According to the agencies, al-Arabeed was recently active in consolidating Hamas's control in the northern Gaza Strip and promoting terror attacks against IDF forces operating near the border fence. He has been transferred for further interrogation by Israeli security forces. The operation aimed to neutralize threats, disrupt Hamas's control in the area, and thwart its plans for terror operations against Israeli soldiers and civilians.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the operation, calling it a "daring operation" that apprehended "one of Hamas's most senior leaders." Netanyahu stated that al-Arabeed was responsible for concealing and transporting hostages, hiding senior Hamas officials, building up the organization's strength, and attempting to restore its capabilities. He added that al-Arabeed had recently worked to re-establish Hamas's governance in Gaza, engaged in deception regarding the Strip's disarmament, and aided in terror attacks against Israeli forces and citizens.

Netanyahu reiterated Israel's commitment to pursuing all Hamas leaders and those involved in the October 7th massacre. The IDF stated that security forces in the Southern Command remain deployed in the area and will continue to act to neutralize all threats.