Shin Bet Dismantles 'Israeli Network' Smuggling Funds and Weapons to Hamas

Israel's General Security Service (Shin Bet) announced that it thwarted an operation aimed at smuggling weapons and funds from the Hamas movement into the West Bank using Israeli civilians.

1. Network Details and Arrests

• Arrests: In recent weeks, the Israeli Police arrested a number of Israelis from the cities of Kafr Qasim and Rahat on suspicion of involvement in the "clandestine" transfer of weapons and funds.

• Central Cell: The network was operating on behalf of an Israeli citizen residing in Turkey who works for the Hamas movement.

• Smuggling Mechanism:

  • Funds: Transfers were conducted using cryptocurrencies from Turkey to Israel.

  • Laundering: The crypto was converted into cash via local money exchangers.

  • Weapon Procurement: The cash was used to purchase weapons from dealers in the Negev region.

  • Transport: The weapons and funds were then smuggled into the West Bank.

2. Hamas's Intent and Exploitation

• Hamas Goal: Shin Bet stated that the purpose of smuggling these funds and weapons was for them to reach Hamas operatives to carry out attacks in the West Bank.

• Exploitation: The Israeli citizen exploited his family and social ties in Kafr Qasim to establish the network.

• Significance: The statement emphasized that this case "demonstrates how operatives in Turkey, including Israeli Arabs, exploit their connections inside Israel and their access to the West Bank to transfer funds and weapons that may ultimately reach terrorist elements."

3. Legal Action

• Indictments: Authorities will file indictments against several suspects in the case.