Ex-National Security Advisor Warns of Hamas Kidnapping Attempts
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Former National Security Advisor Meir Ben Shabbat warned that Hamas, facing intense Israeli counter-terrorism operations, is seeking leverage through kidnapping attempts. He urged Israel to thwart these plots via offensive actions and continuous "elimination machine" operations in Gaza. Ben Shabbat also advised immediate implementation of enhanced security measures for aviation, including international intelligence sharing and employee vetting, and stressed that security operations must continue uninterrupted through the election period.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Former National Security Advisor Meir Ben Shabbat warned Hamas is seeking leverage through kidnapping attempts due to Israeli pressure.
- Ben Shabbat urged Israel to thwart Hamas's kidnapping plots through offensive actions and continuous operations in Gaza.
- He called for immediate implementation of enhanced aviation security measures, including international intelligence sharing and employee vetting.
- Ben Shabbat stressed that security operations must continue without interruption during the upcoming election period.
- He suggested Iran might exploit perceived opportunities for direct provocation or through its proxies.
- Ben Shabbat cited the 2015 Metrojet Flight 9268 crash as a deadly example of an 'inside threat' to aviation.
Former National Security Advisor Meir Ben Shabbat has warned that Hamas is seeking leverage against Israel, potentially through kidnapping attempts, as the organization faces increasing pressure from Israeli counter-terrorism efforts. In an interview with Channel 7, Ben Shabbat, who now heads the Misgav National Security Institute, stated that Hamas is in distress due to continuous Israeli operations against its senior members and is struggling to stabilize itself.
Ben Shabbat believes Hamas perceives Israel as violating the ceasefire and is unable to exert international pressure to curb Israeli actions. Consequently, the organization is returning to what he considers a proven tactic: kidnapping attacks. He stressed that Israel must thwart this plot not only by enhancing vigilance and security measures but also through offensive actions, urging the "elimination machine" to operate relentlessly throughout Gaza to force Hamas operatives into hiding and survival mode.
Addressing the attempted attack on a Flydubai flight, Ben Shabbat emphasized the need for international intelligence sharing, rigorous vetting of employees, and enhanced oversight. He drew parallels to the 9/11 attacks, highlighting the significant challenge posed by threats originating from within airline or airport personnel, such as pilots or maintenance staff. He cited the 2015 Metrojet Flight 9268 crash as a deadly example of an "inside threat."
Ben Shabbat also cautioned against allowing the upcoming election period to slow down security operations. He asserted that security activities must continue without interruption, regardless of claims of political exploitation during the election season. He argued that Israel cannot afford to pause or slow down its security operations while awaiting a new government, and that security conduct should be removed from election discourse.
Furthermore, Ben Shabbat suggested that Iran, facing its own difficult situation, might exploit perceived opportunities for direct provocation or through its proxies, potentially diverting attention from the US-Iran confrontation. He called for immediate implementation of recommended security measures, including international cooperation, internal screening mechanisms, intelligence efforts, and robust control and supervision processes, acknowledging that while these steps do not guarantee absolute security, they can significantly reduce risks.
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