Israel says Shin Bet captured senior Hamas intelligence chief in Gaza operation

Israeli authorities have said the Shin Bet security agency captured a senior Hamas intelligence official, Mu’in Al-Arabid, during a covert operation carried out in central Gaza.

According to an account circulating in Israeli security circles, Al-Arabid, described as a senior figure in Hamas’ intelligence apparatus, was captured alive after Israeli security forces had tracked him for an extended period.

The operation reportedly culminated after Israeli intelligence obtained what officials considered critical information that created an opportunity to apprehend him. Unlike some previous Israeli operations, the account said no local militia was involved in the arrest, with the Shin Bet playing the central role.

Israeli officials reportedly decided to capture Al-Arabid alive because of the intelligence value attached to his position within Hamas. Security authorities are expected to question him about the group’s intelligence structure, personnel, operations and other activities.

The operation was said to have been conducted in a densely populated part of Gaza, presenting significant risks to the Israeli personnel involved. According to the Israeli account, the mission involved extensive planning and coordination, with the possibility that an exposure of the operatives’ identities could have triggered attacks from multiple directions.

The account further claimed that the arrest was completed with limited resistance and without Israeli casualties or injuries.

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Details of the operation were initially expected to remain classified. However, Israeli officials reportedly decided to release additional information after footage and reports concerning the arrest began appearing in Arab media.

The reported capture has drawn attention because of the difficulty involved in conducting a high-value arrest operation inside Gaza, where Israeli forces continue to face threats from Hamas and other armed groups.

The development also highlights Israel’s continued reliance on intelligence-led operations to locate senior Hamas figures. The Shin Bet, which is responsible for Israel’s domestic security and counterterrorism operations, has played a significant role in intelligence activities connected to the Gaza war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was also reported to have met with members of the Shin Bet Special Forces involved in the operation.

However, independent verification of several details surrounding the reported arrest, including the precise circumstances, location and operational timeline, remains limited.

The reported capture of Al-Arabid could potentially provide Israeli intelligence with additional information about Hamas’ command and intelligence networks if Israeli authorities’ assessment of his position within the organisation is accurate.