'Fauda' in real life: Shin Bet agents posed as aid distributors in Gaza – report

Undercover Shin Bet operatives reportedly posed as aid workers in Gaza to gather intelligence leading to the capture of Hamas's head of internal security, Mu'in al-Arabid. According to a KAN News report, agents established small humanitarian aid projects, selling goods to Gazan market stall-owners. After building trust, these Gazans unknowingly helped monitor individuals, including al-Arabid, only realizing their involvement after his capture. Sources indicated that Shin Bet operatives were physically present in the market for a short period before the operation, primarily relying on established local relationships for intelligence. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized al-Arabid's significance, with Netanyahu stating he "played a major role in managing the hiding of the over 250 Israeli hostages." However, a Palestinian source claimed al-Arabid was a mid-level official in charge of Gaza City's internal security department.