Israel's Shin Bet recently dismantled a Hamas terror cell in Nablus that was directly funded and guided by Hamas’s overseas command center—based in Turkey.
The cell, which planned shootings and bombings, received around $40,000 and weapons from Turkey. Six operatives were arrested between January and February. One led security forces to a roadside bomb near a major Samaria junction.
According to security experts, Turkey has become Hamas’s primary operational base abroad. Col. (res.) Michael Milshtein, a leading analyst, said Turkey now serves as a “central nerve center” for Hamas, surpassing Lebanon and Syria, where Hamas activities have declined due to regional instability and hostility from Hezbollah.
Milshtein identified Istanbul-based Zaher Jabarin, successor to the late Saleh al-Arouri, as leading Hamas’s West Bank operations. These efforts are largely managed by operatives deported in the 2011 Shalit deal. Milshtein emphasized that Hamas enjoys “freedom of action” in Turkey—unlike in Iran or Syria—but avoids establishing overt military bases to maintain Ankara’s support.
He also warned that Turkish security elements may be providing training in intelligence and commando operations. “Turkey is a NATO member,” he noted, highlighting the geopolitical implications of such activities.
Michael Barak of Israel’s International Institute for Counter-Terrorism added that Turkey is a hub for Muslim Brotherhood networks that fund and support Hamas. These networks are embedded in universities and think tanks, such as one in Ankara run by former Islamic Jihad financier Sami Al-Arian. Barak said these institutions host Hamas figures and coordinate Islamic outreach and funding.
On March 30, Turkish President Erdoğan openly prayed for the destruction of Israel during Ramadan services, praising Hamas and Islamic Jihad “martyrs” and likening Prime Minister Netanyahu to Hitler. Erdoğan has increasingly aligned himself with Hamas since the October 7 massacre, even threatening military action against Israel.
In response, U.S. policy experts are urging action. Tyler Stapleton of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies called on Washington to review arms sales to Turkey and restrict its participation in NATO military exercises. “Turkey’s hostility must have consequences,” he warned.