Recent reports indicate that Israel is supporting local militias in Gaza to combat Hamas, a strategy that has raised concerns among opposition politicians regarding national security. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended this covert initiative, labelling it as beneficial. He revealed that Israel has “activated clans in Gaza opposed to Hamas” based on advice from security personnel.
The news emerged when former defence minister Avigdor Liberman disclosed on Channel 12 News that Israel was supplying rifles to extremist factions in Gaza, characterising the operation as reckless. He expressed concern that these weapons could be turned against Israel, a sentiment echoed by a CNN source. Following Liberman’s comments, Netanyahu’s office stated that these actions were part of a multifaceted approach to defeating Hamas, which had not received the usual approval from the security cabinet—a step seen as habitual for significant policy decisions.
The ongoing operation is believed to have been initiated by Netanyahu, omitting the necessary checks from his far-right coalition partners, who may have opposed the plan. Hamas has reacted to the revelations by proclaiming that Israel’s actions aim to instigate social chaos and insecurity within Gaza. Reports suggest that one recipient of Israeli arms is a militia led by Yasser Abu Shabab, who controls parts of eastern Rafah.
Opposition leaders have severely criticized Netanyahu, claiming he is exacerbating the situation in Gaza by strengthening factions as potential alternatives to Hamas. They argue that his policies have previously empowered Hamas itself, and now his approach risks creating further instability by arming gangs. Yair Lapid, a prominent opposition figure, condemned this strategy on social media, highlighting a lack of coherent planning that could lead to additional crises.
Despite ongoing conflicts over nearly 20 months, Israel has struggled to fully displace Hamas from its strongholds in Gaza. The militant group, deemed a terrorist organisation by Israel, the United States, and the European Union, remains firmly entrenched in power. Observers point out that while Netanyahu has not articulated a clear plan for Gaza’s future governance, arming local militias may signify an attempt to establish a parallel authority.
Critics, including Yair Golan from the left-wing Democrats party, express that instead of pursuing diplomatic resolutions and the welfare of Israeli citizens, Netanyahu risks igniting a new cycle of violence by enabling further divisions within Gaza. Overall, the situation continues to evolve, leaving many questions about the long-term implications of these actions for both Gaza and Israel’s security landscape.