The IDF Spokesperson's Unit on Thursday released dramatic video footage of IDF sailors rescuing a Hamas operative attempting to flee Gaza via the sea.
The man, Izz al-Din Hussein, 24, had been a member of Hamas' air defense unit. The incident occurred in late June.
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Hussein, according to the Shin Bet security agency, told Israeli interrogators that he had been ordered to fire a shoulder-mounted missile at an IDF helicopter and that he fled to Israel voluntarily due to personal family problems and "persecution and defamation by senior Hamas figures."
Immediately after crossing the sea barrier, Hussein was picked up by IDF sailors and transferred to the Shin Bet for questioning.
He reportedly told his Shin Bet interrogators that he was recruited to Hamas' military wing in 2013 and from 2018 up to his defection had served in the terrorist group's air defense unit, among other roles as commander of the portable missile unit.
Within the framework of that role, he stored a shoulder-mounted missile in his home and was instructed to fire at an Israeli helicopter if he could make sure it would crash in Gaza in the hope of abducting Israeli soldiers.
"He kept an anti-aircraft missile in his home and had been instructed to launch it at an Israeli helicopter if one were to fly nearby in order to kill or abduct Israeli soldiers," the Shin Bet statement said.
Video: IDF Spokesperson's Unit
Hussein also participated in various military activities against Israel, the Shin Bet claimed, learning about Israeli aircraft along with observation tactics.
"Hussein's activities in Hamas and the vast knowledge he acquired through his work… revealed to the Shin Bet a great deal of intelligence about Hamas," the statement said.
Upon the conclusion of the Shin Bet's investigation, an indictment was filed against Hussein on Thursday in the Beersheba District Court on various security-related charges.
Israeli and Arab media have reported recently that a top Hamas commander had defected to Israel. Hamas officials have claimed a low-ranking member fled the territory because of marital issues.
Qandil Badr, an uncle of Hussein's, said the family did not trust the Israeli claims.
"We trust my nephew but there has been no contact with him ever since his disappearance," he said. "We need a credible party to visit him and examine his situation."
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