Netanyahu Confirms Israel Arming Groups Opposed To Hamas In Gaza: 'What's Bad About That'
Israel- Hamas War: Benjamin Netanyahu defended the decision, saying, 'What's wrong with this? It saves the lives of Israeli soldiers."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Tel Aviv is arming factions in Gaza that oppose Hamas, prompting fierce criticism and warnings from former officials as well as defence analysts. It was earlier reported that Benjamin Netanyahu personally approved the transfer of weapons to a Gaza-based group led by Yasser Abu Shabab, a controversial figure linked to a local clan in Rafah. In a video posted on social media, Benjamin Netanyahu defended the decision, saying, 'What's wrong with this? It saves the lives of Israeli soldiers. Publicising it only helps Hamas."
Defence Officials Confirm Weapons Transfers
Reports claimed, citing Israeli defence sources, that the weapons- primarily Kalashnikov rifles, including some seized from Hamas- were provided to the Abu Shabab group with Benjamin Netanyahu's authorisation to the clan which operates in the Rafah area, currently under Israeli military control.
Earlier, Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party and former defence minister, accused Benjamin Netanyahu of bypassing cabinet approval to arm a group of 'criminals and felons, identified with the Islamic State group". He said, 'To my knowledge, this did not go through cabinet," adding that the move endangers Israeli national security.
Clan Backed By Benjamin Netanyahu Accused of Looting Aid, Ties Denied
The armed group, which calls itself the Popular Forces, claims its purpose is to protect humanitarian aid convoys in Gaza. However, reports suggest the faction has instead been looting those convoys. The European Council on Foreign Relations previously labelled Abu Shabab's group a 'criminal gang."
Hamas has condemned the group, accusing its members of 'theft and betrayal". Meanwhile, Abu Shabab, in a statement posted online, denied receiving Israeli support, saying, 'Our weapons are simple, outdated, and came through the support of our own people."
Benjamin Netanyahu 'Restless'?
Former deputy IDF chief and opposition politician Yair Golan, who leads the Democrats party, called the move 'reckless." In a post on X, he wrote, 'Netanyahu is a threat to Israel's national security. Instead of securing a deal to bring home the hostages and ensuring the safety of Israeli citizens, he's creating a new ticking time bomb in Gaza."
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