Israel Arms Rivals of Hamas, Sparking Internal Controversy

• Israel arms rivals of Hamas in Gaza.
• Netanyahu defends the distribution of rifles.
• Internal tensions rise over the operation.

The Israeli government admitted this week that it is supplying light weaponry to local clans and militias in Gaza, with the stated aim of weakening Hamas’s dominance after nearly 20 months of war.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu himself released a video defending the covert operation as “a good thing,” insisting it is being carried out “with the advice of security chiefs.”

According to sources cited by CNN, the decision bypassed the usual security cabinet—a forum where sensitive actions are typically approved—allegedly because certain far-right coalition partners would have vetoed the initiative.

Among the alleged recipients is the faction led by Yasser Abu Shabab, active in eastern Rafah. However, its commander has denied receiving Israeli rifles. Hamas condemned the plan as “serious and undeniable,” accusing Israel of deliberately sowing chaos.

Israel Arms Rivals of Hamas Amid Domestic Uproar

“Israel confirms it is supplying weapons to Hamas rivals in an operation the opposition calls ‘complete madness.’” https://t.co/i3uoevbjk2
— CNN en Español, June 7, 2025

Arming rival factions in Gaza introduces a new and potentially uncontrollable force in an already devastated territory.

Opposition leaders warn that these weapons could eventually be turned against Israeli soldiers or civilians, echoing past mistakes—such as when Israel facilitated the transfer of millions of Qatari dollars to Hamas between 2018 and 2022.

Former Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman likened the supported groups to “the local ISIS” and warned of major strategic risks.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid accused Netanyahu of improvising without a postwar strategy, calling the plan “another ticking time bomb,” especially after having indirectly empowered Hamas in the past.

Context Behind the Operation to Help Anti-Hamas Groups

Since October 2023, Israel has been conducting a military campaign aimed at dismantling Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organization by both the U.S. and the EU.

Despite military superiority, Hamas retains a presence and support across much of Gaza. The idea of leveraging tribal rivalries is not new—Israeli intelligence attempted similar strategies during the First Intifada.

However, regional history shows that armed militias backed by foreign powers often spiral out of control, as seen with the Afghan mujahideen in the 1980s or Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces.

This was reported by CNN.

Key Reactions

Netanyahu claims that “activating anti-Hamas clans” will undermine the group’s authority and hasten its collapse.

However, senior military officials anonymously cited by CNN admit that “no one can guarantee these weapons won’t be turned against Israel.”

Hamas has vowed to “hunt down the traitors,” issuing direct threats against Abu Shabab and other alleged collaborators.

Military analysts warn that the AK-47s being distributed could quickly enter black markets or underground tunnels, fueling lawlessness and violent feuds.

What’s Next

The Ministry of Defense is expected to review the arms flow and assess the impact on the ground, as the army attempts to secure strongholds controlled by aligned clans.

U.S. diplomats, concerned about potential uncontrolled escalation, are seeking details on the program and whether it complies with international law.

Meanwhile, the absence of a clear plan for Gaza’s governance after the war—Netanyahu has not presented any civilian administration or reconstruction proposal—keeps the future uncertain.

If these new Gaza militias gain strength without a political framework, Israel may face a patchwork of armed gangs reminiscent of post-Gaddafi Libya, with unpredictable consequences for regional security and international mediation efforts.

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