According to a report by Ynoniyoz, cleared by the military censor, the IDF and Shin Bet received an alert Tuesday evening that Hamas was preparing to retaliate for the kidnapping of its Shin Bet chief. The IDF elevated readiness on the ground and in the air amid concerns the move was defensive. Gaza border communities were not notified.
The Ynoniyoz news outlet reported Thursday that an alert was received Tuesday evening by the IDF and Shin Bet regarding Hamas intentions to retaliate for the kidnapping of their internal security chief. In response, the IDF elevated its readiness posture on the ground and in the air, according to IDF sources cited by Ynoniyoz. The sources indicated there was a concern that the move might reflect a defensive attempt by Hamas rather than an offensive one, but the military prepared for all scenarios. The communities in the Gaza envelope were not updated about the alert. The report was published as a first publication cleared by the Israeli military censor.
The report adds detail to events that unfolded over the past days. As previously reported by The Zioneer, on Tuesday Israeli special forces captured the head of Hamas's internal security apparatus in a raid in Gaza City. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the capture, describing the detainee as responsible for hiding hostages and attempting to restore Hamas governance. The IDF and Shin Bet officially confirmed the operation Tuesday evening. During the night from Tuesday to Wednesday, an alert was activated on the Gaza border due to fear of militants approaching the fence; the heightened readiness was lifted Wednesday morning.
The capture of the senior Hamas official was part of ongoing Israeli operations to dismantle the terror group's capabilities and pursue those responsible for the October 7 massacre. On Wednesday, Netanyahu visited the Gaza Division and met with Shin Bet operatives who led the operation.
It remains unclear whether Hamas possesses the operational capability to carry out a retaliatory strike in the near term. The warning was assessed as precautionary, and security forces continue to monitor the situation.
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