Hamas' to-be-released fighters to reinforce West Bank presence: Ynet

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli media
17 Jan 2025 09:16

Israeli security agencies are concerned about Hamas regaining its momentum in the West Bank following the exchange deal.

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Men wave after being released from prison by "Israel", on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, in the West Bank town of Ramallah. (AP)

As the release of hundreds of Hamas fighters as part of the exchange deal approaches, concerns in “Israel” over its potential security effects rise, the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported on Friday.

The fear, according to the Israeli newspaper, stems from the fact that "these fighters may strengthen Hamas' influence in the West Bank, which poses a direct threat to the [Israeli] security establishment."

It recounted how last year, the Israeli Shin Bet allegedly thwarted more than 1,000 attacks, maintaining that the ones that were successful revealed a significant improvement in the capabilities of the Resistance in the West Bank.

The newspaper pointed out that while "Israel" sought to limit the number of Resistance fighters to be released, "the challenges remain." It, furthermore, highlighted that the celebrations held for those released would strengthen Hamas' position across Palestine.

For this reason, the Israeli Channel 14 indicated that the Minister of Security Yisrael Katz directed the security apparatus to establish a joint operations room between the Shin Bet, the army, and the police, to prevent any celebrations by Palestinian detainees who will be released in the West Bank.

Fearing escalation, Israel Hayom claimed that the Israeli army is preparing to reinforce the northern West Bank area with three infantry battalions soon.

Commenting on the prisoner exchange deal on Thursday evening, Ben-Gvir stressed that it amounts to “Israel's defeat", as it "includes an end to the war, even though Hamas has not been defeated."

The far-right minister sharply criticized the deal and described it as "reckless", asserting that it includes concessions that undermine the Israeli occupation achievements.

He even threatened that his Otzma Yehudit party would leave the coalition government if the recently mediated ceasefire agreement with Hamas was approved.