Tel Aviv, Israel – In a significant security and intelligence escalation, the Israeli Security Agency (Shin Bet), in cooperation with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), announced the dismantling of a vast Hamas network. This network, based in Turkey, directed and managed military operations against Israeli targets. The official statement confirmed that intensive intelligence efforts over the past year had thwarted dozens of attacks, described as “terrorist,” before they could be carried out. These attacks were planned, financed, and directed from abroad.
The nature of the “West Bank headquarters” and its role in the escalation
According to disclosed intelligence, Hamas’s subversive activity is concentrated in what is known as the “West Bank headquarters.” This is the structure responsible for directing and carrying out operations against civilians and security forces throughout the West Bank (Judea and Samaria) and within Israel.
According to the statement, members of this headquarters exploited Turkish territory as a vital launching pad. There, they conducted intensive recruitment operations and coordinated the transfer of funds and the smuggling of weapons into Palestinian territory to support armed cells. The report indicated that Hamas operatives carried out their activities freely in Turkey. They also exploited the existing infrastructure there to hold regular meetings with activists from the West Bank. The report further noted that operational directives and the necessary financial resources for carrying out attacks were sent from Turkey.
Revealing the names of the leaders and key figures
For the first time, the Shin Bet security service authorized the publication of the names of the leaders and members of this network, confirming their direct involvement in managing military activities from abroad. The list included Zaher Jabarin, head of the “West Bank headquarters,” and Ayman Abu Khalil, who commanded the headquarters’ military wing. It also included Ayman Sharawneh, a key operative working from Turkish territory to recruit militants and support operations. Additionally, the name of Muhammad al-Mallah, originally from Tulkarm, who travels between Turkey and Qatar, where he helps manage financial channels to support operations, appeared. The list also included Majed al-Ja’ba, whose involvement in providing logistical support and smuggling weapons used in the “Tunnel Barrier” operation in November 2023 was established by investigations. Walid Abu Nasser was responsible for financing the terrorist infrastructure in the Bethlehem area. Finally, Salam Ya’ish worked primarily on recruiting members and forming field cells.
Israel’s stance on existing threats
The Shin Bet and the IDF expressed grave concern over the continued link between Hamas headquarters abroad and its operatives in the field. The statement emphasized that security services are closely monitoring all communication channels and financial transfers used by this network.
The Israeli security establishment emphasized that it will not tolerate those responsible for this military directive, asserting that its operations aimed at neutralizing threats will continue resolutely to ensure the security of Israeli citizens. This intelligence move sends a clear message that Israel considers Hamas activities from abroad, specifically from Turkey, a direct strategic threat. Therefore, it necessitates continuous intelligence monitoring and preemptive operations to prevent financial and logistical support from reaching the West Bank. Ultimately, this places these issues under the microscope of the escalating regional conflict.
