A relative of Ismail Haniyeh, the former leader of Hamas, has purchased a home in the town of Omer, with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir saying he is “shocked by the news.”
A relative of Ismail Haniyeh, the former leader of Hamas, has purchased a home in the town of Omer, which borders Beersheba, sparking criticism from National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir on Monday.
“I was also shocked to hear this. This is a family of terrorists, many terrorists. Damned people. This is certainly not good news,” Ben-Gvir said in a statement while also explaining how this situation doesn’t fall under his jurisdiction.
He then added, “The police do not determine the demographics of a settlement; that is the head of the council’s responsibility. The police do not have the authority to manage demographic matters in settlements.”
If there is a violation there, the police will handle it with zero tolerance, just as you see very clearly with what is happening in the Negev.”
NATIONAL SECURITY Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir speaks to the media before a cabinet meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem. (credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)
Haniyeh’s family business in Israel
This is not the first time that someone related to Haniyeh has managed to live in Israel. In 2024, Sabah Abed al-Salam Haniyeh, the sister of Ismail, was arrested after being accused of identifying with a terrorist organization and incitement.
During a joint operation by the Israeli Police and the Shin Bet, her home was raided on suspicion of maintaining ties with Hamas operatives, identifying with the terrorist organization, and inciting violence.
During the search, the forces found documents, media equipment, phones, and other materials, as well as evidence linking her to serious security offenses. Hundreds of thousands of shekels in cash were also found at her home.
A few weeks later, the State Attorney’s Office submitted an indictment against her to the Be’er Sheva Magistrate’s Court, accusing her of identifying with a terrorist organization and incitement.
According to the indictment, Sabah Haniyeh sent WhatsApp messages to dozens of contacts, including her brother, praising, supporting, and encouraging Hamas’ actions on the October 7 massacre just two days after, on October 9.