The Covert Operations of Israel's Musta'ribeen Units
The Musta'ribeen units, known for their undercover operations, are affiliated with the Israeli occupation police and have been described as death squads. Established in the 1930s, these units comprise soldiers trained to blend in with Palestinian communities. They adopt local attire and language, allowing them to infiltrate protests and demonstrations. Their primary goal is to incite violence, leading to arrests and violent crackdowns by Israeli forces.
Historical Context of Musta'ribeen
The origins of the Musta'ribeen units can be traced back to the 1930s, with roots in Zionist organizations such as Haganah, Etzel, and Lehi. These undercover operatives underwent rigorous training to understand Palestinian culture, language, and customs. Their operations have been shrouded in secrecy, with limited documentation available about their activities. Notably, the book "The Musta'ribeen: Israeli Death Squads" by Ghassan Douar reveals that these units were responsible for the assassination of approximately 422 Palestinians between 1988 and 2004.
Current Operations and Psychological Impact
The Musta'ribeen units continue to evolve, with new undercover operations being launched to gather intelligence and suppress Palestinian resistance. These units are not only involved in inciting violence during demonstrations but also in intelligence gathering within Israeli prisons. The psychological toll on undercover soldiers is significant, with many reporting feelings of fear and isolation. The Israeli military's approach to these operations raises ethical questions regarding the treatment of both the undercover operatives and the Palestinian population.
- The Musta'ribeen units are known for their controversial tactics, including impersonating journalists and medical personnel to gain access to protests and demonstrations. Their ability to blend in has allowed them to carry out missions with relative impunity, creating a complex web of fear and mistrust among Palestinian communities. The psychological impact on these soldiers, often described as living in a state of constant fear, has led to numerous cases of mental health issues and legal claims against the Israeli army for compensation. Additionally, the Israeli occupation police have been reported to deploy these units in various regions, including the Gaza Strip and West Bank, under different names like "Duvdevan" and "Yamam." The ongoing operations of the Musta'ribeen units continue to provoke outrage and concern among human rights organizations, highlighting the broader implications of their actions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
