Qassam rocket launchers in Gaza. Abu Sisi is best known for his part in engineering Hamas rockets. Photo: Israel Defense Forces.

JNS.org – Israel’s Beersheba Regional Court convicted senior Hamas official and Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades military academy commander Dirar Abu Sisi of crimes against Israel’s security. Abu Sisi is best known for his part in engineering Hamas rockets, which earned him the nickname “father of the rockets.”

Abu Sisi agreed to a plea bargain under which he admitted to five of the nine charges against him. The prosecution has announced that it will request a 21-year prison sentence for him.

According to the indictment, Abu Sisi was appointed by Hamas military wing leaders Mohammed Deif and Ahmed Jabari—who was later assassinated by Israel—to establish a Hamas military academy. As part of this task, he created a training program for Hamas operatives. He also developed several types of rockets and mortars, and worked to expand the range of Hamas rockets.

Media reports claim Abu Sisi was abducted by Israel while he was in Ukraine with his wife.