Unusual Gaza Operation: Hamas’ General Security Chief Arrested

Hamas’ general security chief was arrested today (Tuesday) in an operation by the Shin Bet and a Palestinian militia in the Gaza Strip. The operation was accompanied by exchanges of fire and IDF strikes, according to reports from Gaza, after the force operating on the ground was exposed by Hamas operatives. Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that a senior terrorist in the organization had been arrested.

According to reports from Gaza, a special IDF force entered the area of the Shati refugee camp in vehicles and, at a certain point, was exposed by Hamas operatives active in the area. As a result, an exchange of fire broke out, while an extraction operation for the forces began with assistance from ground and air forces. Palestinian reports claimed that eight people were killed by IDF fire from the ground and air.

The IDF said that during the incident, several targets across the Gaza Strip were struck, “in order to remove threats to the security forces.” It was also reported that there were no casualties among our forces.

After the operation, Katz said: “This is our policy: We do not wait for threats; we pursue Hamas terrorists, thwart them, and destroy their terrorist infrastructure; the response to every launch from Gaza will be powerful and clear. The test will not be their launches, but our response, and it will be harsh.”

The defense minister added: “We are not leaving Gaza until the Strip is demilitarized, Hamas is disarmed, and all terror tunnels are destroyed. And even after that, the IDF will remain in Gaza along defensive lines and ensure the security of the western Negev communities.”

The arrest comes amid a return to the policy of targeted killings against Hamas. Earlier this week, it was reported that, according to assessments by the security establishment, the organization had begun flying kites that landed in Israeli territory, in what was seen as a preliminary step toward the possible use of incendiary or explosive materials. At first, the IDF did not rush to respond. But after the military and the Shin Bet assessed that the next stage could include the use of drones against the forces, alongside the exposure of infrastructure intended to carry out attacks in the Gaza Strip, it was decided to return to the policy of targeted killings.

In recent weeks, the policy has reached its peak, with more than 20 terrorists killed. At the same time, security officials believe Hamas will not disarm in a way that meets Israel’s demands, and therefore there may be no avoiding another ground operation in the Strip.