In the narrow alleys of Gaza, where every shadow could hide a Hamas fighter or an Israeli informant, a silent war rages. Israel's most effective weapon against Hamas isn't found in its high-tech arsenal, but in the whispered secrets of ordinary Gazans turned spies.
The fundamental mission of these informants is critical and multifaceted. They are tasked with locating high-value targets such as senior Hamas leaders, pinpointing weapons production tunnels, and identifying Hamas operatives who blend into civilian populations. This intelligence forms the backbone of Israel's targeted operations in Gaza.
Take the case of Mahmoud (name changed), a 19-year-old Hamas courier. His job was simple: deliver handwritten notes between Hamas leaders hiding in Gaza's vast tunnel network. But Mahmoud had a secret - he was working for Israel. His intel led to the assassination of Mohammed Deif, Hamas's elusive military chief. Mahmoud's reward? A new life in America.
The process of passing information is as delicate as it is dangerous. Informants rarely, if ever, use phones or electronic devices to communicate with their handlers, fearing exposure. Instead, face-to-face meetings are arranged at kibbutzim in southern Israel, near the Gaza border. These clandestine encounters are the lifeline of Israel's intelligence network in Gaza.
"The recruitment process is like a dance," explains a former Shin Bet officer. "We look for vulnerabilities - a sick child, financial troubles, a desire for a better life. Then we make our move."
Once the information is collected, it follows a strict chain of command. From the handler, it's passed to the Shin Bet, then to the army, and finally to the cabinet. The Prime Minister ultimately decides whether to act on the intelligence, a process that underscores the high-stakes nature of these operations.
In rare, urgent situations, communication devices may be used. This happens when the information is "hot" - requiring immediate action. For instance, if a senior Hamas figure is briefly visiting a specific location, or if hostages are about to be moved. In such cases, the informant might call a number belonging to an Israeli Arab citizen. The person answering could pose as a concerned relative, perhaps an "aunt" inquiring about conditions in Gaza. In reality, this "aunt" is an Israeli intelligence agent, trained to extract crucial information under the guise of a familial conversation.
One Gazan contractor, involved in tunnel construction, provided detailed maps and specifications to Israel. This information proved crucial in the IDF's efforts to destroy Hamas's underground network. Another informant, a captured Hamas fighter, was sent back into the tunnels wearing shoes with hidden electronic scanners, mapping the labyrinth for Israeli intelligence.
The motivations vary. Some, like Saeed, a Gaza dentist, are disillusioned with Hamas. "It is Hamas that is killing us, not the Israeli army," he confided. Others are drawn by substantial cash payments or the promise of medical treatment in Israeli hospitals.
The risks are enormous. Hamas has executed 942 suspected collaborators since the 1987 intifada. Yet, the number of informants continues to grow. Successful operatives are often relocated to Israel, given citizenship, and provided with monthly allowances.
Hamas's response has been swift and paranoid. Senior leaders are banned from using mobile phones or meeting family members. But as one Shin Bet official notes, "The more they tighten their grip, the more Gazans slip through their fingers."
As the conflict grinds on, this invisible army of informants may prove to be the key to Israel's strategy in Gaza. Each piece of intelligence, each thwarted attack, each rescued hostage, is a testament to their dangerous, often thankless work.
In the end, as Gaza's streets echo with the sounds of war, it's the silent whispers of these informants that may ultimately shape the future of this embattled strip of land.
* The Jewish Chronicle contributed to this article.