Israel on High Alert Amid Fears of Hamas Retaliation
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) raised its alert level along the Gaza border overnight Tuesday, fearing retaliation from the Hamas terror organization following the capture of a senior Hamas official. Throughout the night, military helicopters were observed operating extensively over the Gaza Strip, and firing rates were increased in certain areas, according to reports. Residents in communities surrounding Gaza have not been given any special instructions and are maintaining full routine.
Earlier, Shin Bet and IDF forces arrested Mu'ein Muhammad al-Arbid, a senior figure in Hamas's internal security apparatus, in western Gaza City. Al-Arbid is considered a high-value target holding significant intelligence on Hamas operations. The Shin Bet had tracked his location for weeks and considered an airstrike, but ultimately decided to capture him for interrogation in Israel.
The operation, planned for months and approved recently by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, was managed from the Shin Bet's special operations control room.
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