Title: Possible Threat of Terrorist Attacks by Hamas Operatives in Germany Raises Concerns
Germany is facing a potential threat as intelligence reports reveal an estimated 450 active Hamas operatives within its borders. As Israeli troops enter the Gaza Strip to root out Hamas terrorists, experts warn that the permissive environment for extremist entities within Germany must be addressed. The lack of enforcement of anti-terror laws against Hamas and Hezbollah operatives, as well as their financing of terrorism, has raised concerns about the country’s security measures.
Brigadier General (ret.) Amir Avivi, Founder and CEO of IDSF (Israel’s Defense and Security Forum), emphasizes the urgent need for Germany to take action against these extremists. Avivi draws parallels between Hamas and the Islamic State, presenting Hamas as a dangerous ideology that poses a significant threat not only to Israel but to Europe as well. He warns that if Germany fails to act, they could potentially experience similar atrocities committed in Israel, referencing the recent breach of Israel’s security barrier by Hamas terrorists, resulting in the loss of over 1,300 lives.
Rabbi Abraham Cooper, the associate dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, echoes Avivi’s sentiment, urging German authorities to detain the Hamas operatives immediately. Cooper emphasizes that German intelligence has fulfilled its duty by identifying these individuals, and now it is crucial for the authorities to take appropriate action.
Critics argue that Germany has long tolerated Hamas activists and operatives from Hezbollah, despite having outlawed the activities of both terrorist organizations. The recent federal intelligence report indicates that 1,250 Hezbollah supporters and members are active within Germany. The failure to enforce anti-terror laws against these groups and address their involvement in financing terrorism has raised questions about the effectiveness of Germany’s counterterrorism efforts.
In 2018, it was reported that a bank in Germany’s North Rhine-Westphalia state had sent a significant sum of money to Hamas. The German authorities declined to disclose the name of the bank or whether it was penalized for its actions. This lack of transparency and ongoing financial transactions with Iranian businesses connected to Hamas’s strategic partner, the Iranian regime, further raise concerns about Germany’s commitment to combating terrorism.
Wim Kortenoeven, an Israeli expert on Hamas, points out a reluctance among Germany and the Netherlands to take action against Islamist terrorists and organizations, even when their own laws permit it. Kortenoeven highlights that Hamas has continuously shown a genocidal intent towards the Jewish state, as outlined in its Covenant. He emphasizes the need for more assertive security policies and for Germany and the Netherlands to confront organizations that pose a threat to national security.
Efforts to combat antisemitism in Germany also face challenges. German federal commissioner Felix Klein, responsible for fighting antisemitism, has been criticized for omitting Palestinian and Iranian antisemitism in Germany’s strategy report. Meanwhile, controversial civil servant Michael Blume, tasked with fighting antisemitism, has faced calls for dismissal due to allegations of denigrating the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and endorsing pro-Hamas activists.
Amid these concerns, it is crucial for Germany to reassess its approach to Hamas and similar extremist entities operating within its borders. The authorities must take proactive measures to address the permissive environment that has allowed these organizations to thrive. The global community will be closely watching Germany’s response as it plays a significant role in maintaining regional security and countering terrorism.
