Shin Bet investigation of former Hamas operative reveals valuable intel
In 2013, Hussein was drafted to Hamas's military wing and served from 2018 until his arrest.
By ALON EINHORNArrested former Hamas operative Az Aladdin Hussein(photo credit: SHIN BET)
Az Aladdin Hussein, a 24-year-old former Hamas operative, was arrested on June 28 after crossing into Israel by swimming through the maritime border. Hussein's investigation revealed that he acted independently when he crossed as a result of family disputes and persecution by Hamas members, according to the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency).Hussein's investigation led the Shin Bet to acquire valuable information regarding Hamas's activity, training program and mentality.In 2013, Hussein was drafted to Hamas's military wing and served from 2018 until his arrest by the Shin Bet as commander of one of Hamas's Air Defense surface-to-air missile units.As part of his role, Hussein kept one of the missiles at home and was instructed to fire it at any IDF helicopter that lands in the vicinity of his house in Jabalia, northern Gaza, in order to kill or kidnap IDF soldiers.As part of his training, Hussein was taught about Israeli Air Force vessels, anti-aircraft equipment and observation methods, in order to survey IAF activity on the border and in the skies over Gaza."IDF navy units arrested a Palestinian who swam across the border a month ago. The suspect was handed to the Shin Bet for further investigation," the IDF Spokesperson's Unit confirmed in a statement on Thursday.
