Shin Bet says Hamas ran a large terror network from Turkey

Israel’s Shin Bet and the IDF said on Sunday that they had foiled dozens of attacks over the past year that were directed from Turkey against Israelis and security forces in the West Bank. According to the announcement, Hamas’s West Bank wing has been operating an extensive terror infrastructure from Turkish soil, using it to recruit militants, move weapons and money, and direct military activity into Judea and Samaria and Israel.

The agencies said the campaign has been systematic and ongoing, carried out under the direct guidance of Hamas leadership and supported by local infrastructure in Turkey that helps pass instructions and funds for attacks. Shin Bet said the activity has included meetings in Istanbul between Hamas operatives and people from the West Bank.

The statement identified several leading figures. Zahar Jabarin is said to head Hamas’s West Bank arena, and Ayman Abu Khalil heads its military arm there. Among those exposed were Ayman Sharawna, accused of recruiting operatives and advancing terror activity from Turkey; Muhammad Malah, originally from the Tulkarm area, who splits his time between Turkey and Qatar and helped transfer terror money; Majed Jaaba, who allegedly helped smuggle the weapon used in the November 2023 Tunnel Checkpoint attack; Walid Abu Nassar, said to have financed a terror network in Bethlehem; and Salam Yaish, accused of recruiting operatives for attacks.

Shin Bet and the IDF said they view any contact with Hamas terror elements and any involvement in transferring money and weapons for West Bank terror infrastructure very seriously. They said they will keep acting to thwart threats and protect Israel’s citizens, while security forces continue monitoring the activity and preventing further attacks planned from Turkey.