A Shocking Continuation in Jenin: “Shabak” and “Chaos” Series Unfolding in Reality
Was Israeli reserve officer Matan Meir envisioning himself in Gaza, approaching a scene that closely resembles those in the “Chaos” series he contributed to producing?
Matan ultimately met his fate in Gaza, as real-life events unfolded following a chaotic wave that swept through Israel, bearing no resemblance to the chaos depicted in the renowned “Netflix” series of the same name.
The series, which portrays the daily lives of undercover agents, may have somewhat vindicated those labeled as “Palestinian terrorists,” presenting them as human (much like anyone else), although the heroic role is always reserved for Doron in the unit.
Doron always triumphs over “terrorist” Tawfiq Hamed, who meets a bitter end, his pursuits in vain.
Then came the “Al-Aqsa Tempest,” revealing that Doron did not come to the rescue of Gaza border towns, as Israeli journalist Shani Lichtman wrote five days after the attack.
The shock of the October 7th incident seems to have lifted the veil that Israel willingly imposed upon itself, preventing it from seeing members of the Islamic Resistance Movement, “Hamas,” training for months to breach the barrier, within view and earshot of surveillance towers.
“Chaos” in Jenin
Israeli media is abuzz with articles about the deep self-hypnosis Israel has been engaged in for decades.
However, the assassination of three Palestinian resistance fighters inside a hospital in Jenin, in the occupied West Bank last week, revealed that the mindset of the popular series still exerts influence over a significant portion of the Israeli security apparatus, even as it acknowledges responsibility for the defeat on October 7th.
A bed where one of the three Palestinian resistance fighters assassinated by Israeli “Shabak” elements lay (Reuters)
Even considering Israel’s inflated ego during the pre-October 7th era, Egla’s audacity seems to have exceeded all bounds when the General Security Service, “Shabak,” posted on its official Instagram page – as part of recruitment and promotional efforts – images of undercover agents disguised as Palestinians before an operation.
The post, accompanied by a comment, read: “You saw the end of the movie… (But) this is how the scene looked before we went out this week on an operation in the heart of Jenin to thwart saboteurs planning attacks against Israel,” concluding with an invitation to join them: “Do you want to participate in the next operation? Click the link to submit your resume.”
The images appeared as though they were straight out of “Chaos,” complete with scenes showing the camaraderie among the series’ protagonists as they don their disguises, as if approaching a theatrical scene (within a theatrical scene).
“Haven’t You Learned?”
Various Israeli comments on the photo’s release revealed a desire for a superhero to avenge an ego deeply wounded on October 7th.
There were many comments like “You are the best,” “There are those we can rely on,” and “You are the most professional in the world.” There were also sharp criticism and the question: “Why didn’t you publish this?”
An Israeli unit member disguised in Arab clothing before storming a hospital in Jenin to carry out an assassination operation (social media)
Commenting under the name Liraz Falaash, one user mocked the Shabak, saying: “Where were you when they held the residents of Gaza border communities and crossed the borders unhindered? You brought shame upon us,” while another, under the name Ushri, added: “Haven’t you learned? Those sitting in hotels (in Eilat) see everything and mock us.” Leor wrote: “We only want you to inform us of the next steps. It’s as simple as that. How foolish!”
Could this have been an attempt to polish the tarnished reputation of a security apparatus that suffered a colossal failure, with its leader expected to resign at the end of the war in preparation for lengthy investigative sessions?
“A scenario like October 7th (October) was unimaginable for me,” wrote Avi Issacharoff, one of the writers of “Chaos,” nearly a month after the attack. However, some within the Shabak seem determined to view reality as a mere extension of the studio.
These individuals attempted to draw inspiration from the series in the Jenin operation but failed to remain faithful to its spirit when trying to portray the Palestinian as somewhat just (albeit for dramatic purposes; suspense lies in an unbeatable hero).
In “Chaos,” the Palestinian “terrorist” fights bravely, even when Doron eventually renders him lifeless.
In the sequel chosen by Shabak in Jenin, Doron emerges victorious, as usual, over his archenemy Tawfiq Hamed, who is isolated this time, even confined to a sickbed, unable to even stand in preparation for the confrontation.
