Netanyahu announces capture of Muein al Arabid, Hamas's top security chief

Israel has captured **Muein al Arabid**, considered the highest security chief of Hamas, in an operation in Gaza. **Netanyahu** identifies him as responsible for hiding hostages and managing the group's command structure.

## The blow to Hamas leadership

In a joint military and intelligence operation carried out in northern **Gaza Strip**, the **Israeli Defense Forces (IDF)** and **Shin Bet** succeeded in detaining **Muein al Arabid**. Israeli Prime Minister, **Benjamin Netanyahu**, confirmed the news, describing Al Arabid as one of Hamas's most prominent leaders and a central figure in its internal security apparatus. According to Netanyahu’s statements, Al Arabid was fundamental in concealing and transferring the hostages, in addition to protecting high-ranking commanders of the group and working on restoring its capabilities.

The capture occurred near the militant's residence, culminating in his immediate transfer to Israeli territory for interrogation. The Prime Minister also accused Al Arabid of leading a disinformation campaign regarding the supposed "demilitarization" of Gaza and planning ambushes against Israeli troops.

## The precision of the raid

The special units of the IDF carried out the operation with great accuracy. Military sources detailed that they "cleared a building in an urban area of Gaza" to neutralize the threats Al Arabid posed to Israeli positions situated on the so-called 'yellow line,' the perimeter established after the October ceasefire. To ensure the extraction of the detainee and the security of the soldiers, the **Air Force** executed selective bombings in the vicinity of the intervention zone. This deployment was carried out with no Israeli casualties reported.

## The pursuit strategy

This detention falls within the policy of "unrelenting pursuit" announced by Netanyahu's government against Hamas leadership. The Prime Minister reiterated his directive: "The State of Israel will continue pursuing all Hamas leaders and all those who participated in the massacre of October 7." The IDF, for its part, reaffirmed its commitment to continuing such preventive incursions aimed at dismantling Hamas's governing capacity in the enclave and frustrating any attempt to regroup against civilians or military positions.