Herzog Details Hamas Operative's Role in Gaza, Pledges Action on West Bank Violence

President Isaac Herzog revealed in a CNN interview that Moin Al-Arbid, head of Hamas's internal security forces in Gaza and a senior Hamas official, actively worked to thwart efforts to remove Hamas from power and establish a technocratic government in the Strip. Herzog stated that Al-Arbid's arrest was a significant step towards this goal, emphasizing that Al-Arbid and his operatives were responsible for attempts to sabotage the "Board of Peace" initiative and prevent Hamas's disarmament. The President also accused Al-Arbid of direct involvement in the mistreatment of hostages, specifically their holding conditions in tunnels.

Regarding the West Bank, President Herzog addressed allegations of settler violence, assuring that significant efforts are underway to curb such incidents. He acknowledged the presence of young offenders in the region and stated that Israeli authorities are making a substantial effort to thwart their activities, arrest them, and bring them to justice. Herzog reported that approximately ten to twelve individuals involved in such acts have been arrested in recent days.

Herzog stressed that law enforcement in this context is not political, drawing a parallel to efforts to combat violence in U.S. cities. He expressed confidence that the measures taken, in cooperation with the Shin Bet and other agencies, will yield results. He also noted that while those involved in violent acts are a "stain on the face of the State of Israel," the country, as a functioning democracy under the rule of law, ensures legal rights for all arrested individuals to defend themselves.