In a move that has ignited both debate and a glimmer of a new strategy, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed that Israel is providing arms to a clan within the Gaza Strip to challenge Hamas. The BBC reported Thursday on Netanyahu’s remarks, which corroborate earlier Israeli media accounts of weapons being supplied to the Abu Shabab clan, led by Yasser Abu Shabab.
The unprecedented decision comes as peace talks between Hamas and Israel remain stalled, and international pressure mounts on Netanyahu to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
While some Israeli politicians have voiced strong opposition, accusing the Prime Minister of jeopardizing Israeli lives, Netanyahu staunchly defended the move, asserting, “What’s wrong with this? It only saves the lives of Israeli soldiers.”
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Defense sources have confirmed to the Times of Israel that the arms supplied to the Abu Shabab group are captured Kalashnikov rifles originally seized from Hamas terrorists. This strategy, however, is not without its critics. Observers have raised concerns that the Abu Shabab clan may operate more like a criminal gang or militia than a conventional tribal entity.
Adding to the complexity, the Abu Shabab clan has positioned itself as an anti-Hamas force, despite allegations of looting aid vehicles in a region facing widespread starvation. Yasser Abu Shabab himself has denied receiving Israeli arms, claiming his weapons “came through the support of our own people.”
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Israeli opposition politician Avigdor Lieberman heavily criticized Netanyahu’s unilateral decision, stating, “The Israeli government is giving weapons to a group of criminals and felons, identified with the Islamic State group.”
Lieberman also expressed concerns that the decision did not receive cabinet approval. The clan is reportedly operating out of the Rafah region, currently under Israel Defense Forces (IDF) control.
This novel, and highly controversial, tactic emerges amidst Netanyahu’s renewed offensive, “Operation Gideon’s Chariot,” aimed at the complete capture of the Gaza Strip, following the breakdown of a brief three-month ceasefire in March. The world watches closely as this bold and risky maneuver unfolds, potentially reshaping the dynamics of the conflict in Gaza
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