What’s happening
Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar has stated that Israel’s intelligence services are committed to tracking down and neutralizing Hamas leaders wherever they may be in the world. This bold declaration comes in the wake of a Hamas terror attack that occurred on October 7th. The Israeli intelligence community is taking a stance reminiscent of the aftermath of the 1972 Munich massacre of Israeli athletes, suggesting a significant and possibly prolonged counter-terrorism campaign.
Why it matters
The strategy outlined by Bar represents a significant escalation in the Israeli response to Hamas. It underlines the country’s determination to address threats beyond its immediate borders and indicates a potential increase in international intelligence operations. The reference to the Munich massacre—a pivotal event that led to a global manhunt for the perpetrators by Israeli agents—implies a relentless and long-term pursuit of justice and security.
The details
In a recording released by Israel’s public broadcaster, Ronen Bar expressed the government’s directive to eliminate Hamas, emphasizing the need to provide security and a sense of it to Israeli citizens. He acknowledged the failure to prevent the October 7th attack but assured that lessons are being learned and applied to enhance security measures.
Bar detailed that operations are already underway, targeting the extensive network of Hamas leadership located in various countries, including Lebanon, Turkey, Qatar, and Iran. The Shin Bet’s approach involves a broad spectrum of activities, many of which remain covert, to combat the unprecedented scale of threats faced by Israel.
High-profile Hamas figures such as Ismail Haniyeh and Khaled Mashal have been mentioned as part of the international presence of the organization’s leadership, traveling between countries like Istanbul, Doha, Beirut, Damascus, and Cairo. These individuals, along with other senior members of Hamas, have now become focal points for Israeli intelligence operations.
The bigger picture
The stance taken by the Shin Bet head highlights the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, with implications for international security and diplomacy. Israel’s proactive approach signifies a robust counter-terrorism policy that could influence regional dynamics and potentially impact Israel’s relations with the countries where Hamas leaders reside.
This story was first published on ynetnews.com.