Netanyahu Acknowledges Arming Anti-Hamas Clans in Gaza Amid Controversy

Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed that Israel is supplying weapons to anti-Hamas clans in Gaza, specifically the Abu Shabab clan, prompting significant political backlash and accusations of risking Israeli security.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly acknowledged that Israel is providing arms to clans in Gaza that oppose Hamas, following Israeli media reports suggesting he had green-lighted such support for a specific group in southern Gaza. His acceptance of this controversial strategy comes amidst a backdrop of warnings from various Israeli politicians, who express serious concerns over the potential ramifications for national security.

In a response shared via social media, Netanyahu stated, "What's wrong with this? It only saves the lives of Israeli soldiers," suggesting that the publicizing of this situation only serves to bolster Hamas. The particular group receiving arms, led by figure Yasser Abu Shabab, has been framed as an opposition force amid accusations of functioning more like a militia or criminal gang—asserting its primary goal as the protection of humanitarian aid trucks while critics accuse the group of looting.

As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, with the UN warning of potential famine affecting much of the population, Netanyahu's admission may herald a new political scandal. Political figures such as Avigdor Lieberman, head of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, have vocally opposed the policy, asserting that such transfers of weapons to what they term "criminals and felons" did not receive proper cabinet approval. Reports confirmed that the clan has been armed with Kalashnikov rifles, including those captured from Hamas.

Despite denials from Abu Shabab regarding Israeli weapon supplies, claiming they are relying on outdated arms from local support, tensions have escalated. There are indications that Hamas has begun retaliatory actions against the clan, heightening the already fraught dynamics in the region.

Netanyahu's office has responded to the criticism, assuring the public that strategies to counter Hamas are being explored in coordination with security establishment leaders. However, dissenting voices like Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats in the Knesset, are warning that Netanyahu's approach jeopardizes Israel's national security and risks creating further instability in Gaza.