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Israel is ramping up its covert operations aimed at locating and neutralizing Palestinian terrorists responsible for the October 7 massacre. Analysts describe this aggressive strategy as a long-standing approach designed for both deterrence and retribution.
Recently, the Israel Defense Forces confirmed the elimination of Hasan Mahmoud Hasan Hussein, who led the horrific attack on a bomb shelter along Route 232 in Kibbutz Re’im on October 7. This brutal assault resulted in the deaths of 16 individuals and the hostage-taking of four others, including Israeli American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who tragically lost his life in captivity.
In addition to Hussein, the IDF reported the deaths of several key Hamas figures including Yousef Mahmoud Muhammad Juma’a, head of the Hamas cell responsible for the raid on Kibbutz Alumim; Mahmoud Afana, who boasted to his parents about killing ten Jews during the attack; and Mohammed Hassan Mohammed Awad, who was implicated in the murders of hostages Shiri Bibas and her two children, Kfir and Ariel, along with American citizens Gad Haggai and Judy Weinstein.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear that Hamas will face retribution. In previous statements, he asserted a commitment to pursue every individual involved in these attacks, stating that his government would not rest until justice was served.
Maj. Gen. (ret.) Amos Yadlin, a former head of the IDF Military Intelligence Directorate, emphasized that this retaliatory approach has historical roots. It emerged in response to the Munich Olympics massacre of 11 Israelis in 1972. Yadlin explained that the goal of targeting those responsible for planning and executing terrorist acts is threefold: to prevent future attacks, to deter other operatives, and to deliver retribution.
Drawing parallels to U.S. actions against terrorists like Usama bin Laden following the September 11 attacks, Yadlin stated that no terrorist should be left to die of old age.
Intelligence concerning threats comes from various Israeli agencies. The Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security service, Aman, the Military Intelligence Directorate, and the Mossad are all integral to locating and tracking these targets, especially those hiding outside Israel.
One notable example of Israel’s precision strikes includes the assassination of Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in Iran. This operation involved the use of an explosive device discreetly planted in the Tehran guesthouse where he was staying.
The IDF has also successfully targeted other high-profile Hamas leaders, including the former head of Hamas in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, and Mohammed Deif, the head of Hamas’s armed wing. Recently, the IDF struck again against Sinwar’s brother Mohammed, who succeeded him as a key figure within Hamas.
Focused Intelligence Efforts
The Shin Bet has allocated significant resources to a special center dedicated to identifying Hamas terrorists linked to the October 7 attack. Brig. Gen. (ret.) Lior Akerman, a senior researcher at the Institute for Policy and Strategy at Reichman University, explained that they gather intelligence through various means including photographs, eyewitness testimonies, and detailed investigations.
Akerman noted that this method mirrors tactics used during the Second Intifada. He recounted that one of the terrorists, Aziz Salha, who gained infamy for a video showing him lynching two Israeli soldiers in Ramallah, was killed in an IDF operation in the Gaza Strip in October 2024.
Complexities of Intelligence Gathering
IDF Brig. Gen. (res.) Amir Avivi highlighted the intricate nature of intelligence work, as it relies on diverse sources. These range from human intelligence — informants who provide information — to cyber capabilities that enable surveillance of digital communications and the use of drones for visual intelligence.
Avivi provided insight into the verification process, explaining that it requires corroborating information from multiple sources to ensure accuracy and minimize risks to civilian life. Once a target’s location is confirmed, the method of attack is carefully determined to maximize effectiveness and safety.
Years of strategic intelligence collection allowed Israeli security forces to gather extensive information about many terrorists involved in the October 7 attacks, including insights from satellite images and intercepted communications.
The Impact and Future of Operations
Brig. Gen. (Res.) Nitzan Nuriel, former director of the Counter-Terrorism Bureau at the Prime Minister’s Office, stated that Israeli forces have obtained vast amounts of data from Hamas, encompassing gigabytes of videos, photographs, and documents. This wealth of information has been crucial for analysts in their intelligence operations.
Given the scale of the October 7 massacre, which saw upwards of 6,000 militants storming the border, tracking down all perpetrators will be a formidable challenge. Nuriel acknowledged that while current methods remain the same, the larger scale of the events will inevitably prolong the investigative process.
He expressed belief that one reason Hamas may consider President Trump’s peace plan is the prospect it offers for many of them to evade justice from Israel.
A Path Forward for Israel
As Israel continues its comprehensive efforts against Hamas, the ongoing campaign highlights the complexities of modern counterterrorism. Striking a balance between operational effectiveness and civilian safety remains paramount. With a vigilant intelligence effort and a commitment to address past grievances, Israel aims to deter future attacks and safeguard its citizens.
