Israel Aborted Airstrike, Opted for Ground Operation to Capture Hamas Security Chief

Israeli security forces captured a senior Hamas official, Mu'ein Mohammed al-Arabeed, head of Hamas's internal security, in a complex ground operation in Gaza after months of planning. Initially, the option of an airstrike to eliminate al-Arabeed was considered, but the decision was made to extract him alive for interrogation in Israel. The operation, managed from a Shin Bet special operations control room, received approval from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz.

Local militias, led by Rassan Dehaini of the Abu Shabab militia, reportedly participated in the operation. Forces entered a building in the Al-Kutiba area of western Gaza City where al-Arabeed was located with his family. During the raid, an exchange of fire occurred, resulting in al-Arabeed sustaining injuries and the deaths of four Palestinians, including his wife and son. The wounded al-Arabeed was then transported out of the Strip to Israel.

Al-Arabeed is currently being held for interrogation in an Israeli hospital, is conscious, and able to communicate. Security officials noted his surprise at being captured in the heart of Gaza and brought to Israel. A long-time Hamas operative since the 1990s, al-Arabeed managed the organization's "militias portfolio," working to restore Hamas's control in the Strip and opposing local militias coordinating with Israel.

Israeli security forces consider his capture highly significant, anticipating valuable intelligence from his interrogation. The operation also serves as a message to Hamas leadership, reinforcing the perception that Israel can reach them even in seemingly secure locations. This capture aims to deepen the sense among Hamas officials that they are not immune from Israeli operations.