Quick Hit:

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has admitted to arming a Gaza-based group opposed to Hamas, sparking outrage among Israeli lawmakers who say the move undermines national security. Critics warn it could fuel internal conflict and create a dangerous precedent.

Key Details:

• Netanyahu confirmed reports that Israel is arming Gaza clans that oppose Hamas, calling it a move to "save the lives of Israeli soldiers."
• The weapons were reportedly sent to the Abu Shabab clan in Rafah—an area under Israeli control—but the clan denies receiving arms from Israel.
• Prominent critics, including Avigdor Lieberman and Yair Golan, say the policy is reckless and bypassed proper cabinet approval.

Diving Deeper:

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has acknowledged that his government is arming clans in Gaza that oppose the Hamas terrorist organization. His admission came after Israeli media reports revealed he had authorized the transfer of weapons to at least one such group in southern Gaza.

In a short video posted to social media, Netanyahu pushed back against the criticism. “What’s wrong with this?” he asked. “It only saves the lives of Israeli soldiers—and publicising it only helps Hamas.”

The group in question is led by Yasser Abu Shabab, a figure whose clan operates in the Rafah area—currently under Israeli military control. Though the Abu Shabab clan has positioned itself as an opposition force to Hamas and claims it helps protect humanitarian aid convoys, others see it as a loosely organized militia or even a criminal gang. Reports have circulated that the group has been looting aid shipments rather than safeguarding them.

According to Israeli defense sources, the weapons provided include Kalashnikov rifles—some of which were reportedly confiscated from Hamas caches. The decision to arm the clan was allegedly made unilaterally by Netanyahu without full cabinet consultation, a claim leveled by opposition leader Avigdor Lieberman, who warned that the armed clan is “identified with the Islamic State group.”

Lieberman said the decision never received government approval. “The Israeli government is giving weapons to a group of criminals and felons,” he told public broadcaster Kan. His claims were later confirmed by Israeli defense officials speaking anonymously to local journalists.

Despite the Israeli prime minister’s confirmation, Abu Shabab has denied receiving any weapons from Israel, saying in a statement posted online, “Our weapons are simple, outdated, and came through the support of our own people.”

Reports indicate the situation is already causing tension with Hamas, whose military wing has allegedly begun targeting members of the Abu Shabab clan for assassination.

Yair Golan, leader of the left-leaning Democrats party, sharply criticized the policy on social media: “Netanyahu is a threat to Israel’s national security. Instead of bringing about a deal...bringing the hostages home and providing security for Israeli citizens, he is creating a new ticking time-bomb in Gaza.”

While Netanyahu’s office insists the operation is part of a broader strategy to defeat Hamas “through various means,” the fallout from this revelation could mark the start of a new political crisis—and potentially ignite more unrest in an already volatile region.