Israel Employs Hamas Agents Amid Gaza Infiltration Challenges
The Israeli military is encountering difficulties deploying forces into Hamas-controlled areas of Gaza due to the high concentration of displaced Palestinians, who could identify unfamiliar individuals. Military analyst Amos Harel suggested in the newspaper Haaretz that this situation leads Israel to utilize proxy militias for operations. At least two such groups are reportedly operating in Gaza City, with their families having relocated to areas east of the "Yellow Line" under Israeli control to avoid Hamas retaliation.
Haaretz previously reported on Israel's use of these proxies, with Israeli soldiers allegedly being tasked with escorting militia members during operations described as "war crimes." Harel noted that members of these militias participated in a recent operation, conducted by Shin Bet agents, to abduct Moien al-Arabeed, a leader in Hamas's internal security apparatus, from Gaza City and transfer him to Israel. This operation involved Israeli airstrikes to protect the Shin Bet and proxy agents.
Harel explained that Hamas possesses multiple internal security agencies, one of which focuses on gathering intelligence on the Israeli military and Shin Bet from open and covert sources. The agency led by al-Arabeed specifically targets Israeli agents and collaborators. Israel reportedly places significant importance on capturing a leader like al-Arabeed, as his interrogation could reveal information Hamas holds about current Israeli agents in Gaza. Harel anticipates Hamas will take steps to mitigate the intelligence damage caused by his abduction.
Despite the presence of unknown activists leading Hamas, Harel stated that the organization has not been eliminated and maintains significant control in Gaza despite military weaknesses. He also mentioned that the 15-point plan proposed by the "International Peace Council," identified as former US President Donald Trump's plan, has not been implemented. Israel rejected the plan, while Hamas has not relinquished its governance of the Strip. Harel indicated a current stalemate in negotiations, expressing doubt that political progress in Gaza will occur before the Israeli elections in late October if Trump loses interest.
