Israeli Army Arrests Founder Of Hamas’ West Bank Military Brigade

Saleh Al-Aruri – said to be the founder of Hamas’ Qassam Brigades, its armed faction – was arrested by Israeli troops in a pre-dawn raid on Saturday. Only last March, Israel released Al-Aruri from jail after serving a 15-year sentence for his role in creating the Brigades. Analysts see his re-arrest as part of an Israeli campaign to neutralize potential Hamas strength in the West Bank following its victory over Fatah in the Gaza Strip. Hamas sees the arrest as proof that its Fatah foes are acting in collusion with Israel – identifying and providing the locations of Hamas leaders for the Israeli forces. Israel insists Al-Aruri continued his activities with Hamas after his release.