The Phone Rang, Shin Bet Was on the Line: Israel's New Targeting Method

In depth

According to Kan News, Shin Bet contacted Hamas operatives in the Gaza Strip in several cases and presented them with a choice: distance themselves from their family members or be attacked together with them. According to Kikar HaShabbat, at least five similar cases were documented in recent months. These reports are based on the Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat.

According to Behadrei Haredim, Palestinians in the Strip claim that Shin Bet personnel called armed activists and threatened to bomb the shelters in which they were staying with their families, unless they went up to the roof or moved away. According to Walla, Hamas activists received calls from Israeli intelligence officers who presented them with a similar choice. According to N12, in one of the cases a militant was killed in Khan Younis by an Israeli drone.

The defense establishment denies the report and clarifies that the evacuation calls are intended for civilians only.