Defense minister says senior Hamas member captured a short time ago

Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent

People gather around a destroyed vehicle following an Israeli strike in the Rimal neighborhood of Gaza City on September 1, 2026. (Omar AL-QATTAA/AFP)
People gather around a destroyed vehicle following an Israeli strike in the Rimal neighborhood of Gaza City on September 1, 2026. (Omar AL-QATTAA/AFP)

Defense Minister Israel Katz says a senior Hamas member was captured a short while ago, after an Israeli-backed Palestinian militia reportedly carried out a raid in Gaza City with Israeli air support.

Katz does not provide any further details. An Israeli security source claims the captured Hamas commander is the chief of the terror group’s internal security apparatus.

Speaking from the Gaza border community of Netiv Haasara, Katz says that “even as we stand here, the activity of our forces in Gaza City continues at all times.”

“A short while ago, a senior Hamas terrorist was arrested. This is our policy: We do not wait for threats, we pursue Hamas terrorists, thwart them, and destroy their terror infrastructure,” Katz says.

Most Popular
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.