Israel Expands Militia Experiment in Gaza as Alternative to Hamas
The initiative involves deploying armed groups across newly 'cleansed' territories within Gaza.
Israel is expanding its armed militia experiment in the Gaza Strip, aiming to extend its control over larger areas and positioning these militias as a potential alternative government to Hamas.
This development reflects Israel's determination to prevent the Palestinian Authority from regaining governance over the territory, adhering to a strategy articulated by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of 'neither Hamas-istan nor Fatah-istan.'
Recent statements by Israeli officials confirmed the arming of a Bedouin militia in the border area of Rafah, with a senior security source asserting that this initiative is only the beginning.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are reportedly considering broader implementation of this militia strategy following what has been described as 'success' in Rafah.
Israeli authorities have acknowledged providing weapons to these militant groups in Gaza, aiming to disrupt Hamas and create instability within the region.
Netanyahu supported this arming process, stating it was carried out 'on the recommendation of security agencies' and raised questions about the implications, asserting that it is beneficial and saves the lives of Israeli soldiers.
Israeli military officials have revealed that these militias are being supplied with Kalashnikov rifles, including some that have been seized from Hamas during ongoing military operations.
Notably, this decision was made without the approval of the security cabinet, marking a departure from standard protocols.
Instead, the operation was directed by Israeli security services with direct consent from Netanyahu.
The militia in Rafah, led by Yasser Abu Shabab, has been active in providing protection for humanitarian aid convoys entering from Israel through southern crossings, despite allegations from Hamas and other groups that they are looting aid.
This militia emerged in May 2024 following an Israeli incursion into the southern part of the Gaza Strip, ostensibly for securing humanitarian assistance and foreign delegations.
Video evidence has surfaced documenting these activities, while Hamas has categorized them as collaborators with Israel, issuing threats against them.
On May 30, Hamas released a video showing armed, masked men working outside a building before it was destroyed.
The group's portrayal indicates a connection to the Israeli army's operations in the area, but it remains unclear whether the individuals filmed were Palestinians or Israelis.
Comparisons online suggest that this group is likely identical to Abu Shabab's militia.
Reports indicate that this militia comprises around 300 members, with expectations of expansion if the experiment proves sustainable.
This is not the first time Netanyahu has faced allegations of supporting militias and emerging groups to undermine Hamas.
Previous attempts to collaborate with families and tribes in northern Gaza have not met with success, contrasting with the current operation in Rafah, which has reportedly yielded better results.
An Israeli source noted that the militia's activities have significantly 'saved Israeli soldiers' lives,' with military hopes that this initiative will accelerate the 'demise of Hamas.'
The undertaking arises from the recognition that the removal of Hamas necessitates the establishment of a viable alternative governance structure.
Israeli political leadership has rejected proposals from the Palestinian Authority or multinational forces, opting instead for a 'ground-level solution.' The strategy aims to cleanse specific regions, followed by transferring control to the Bedouin militia endowed with resources and authority, executed on a gradual basis.
The experiment is currently confined to areas fully controlled by Israel, with plans to extend to other regions contingent on its success.
This strategy underscores Netanyahu's commitment to excluding both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority from any future governance of Gaza.
Netanyahu has repeatedly emphasized that 'neither the Authority nor Hamas' will play a role in the 'post-day' scenario for Gaza.
Israel continues to signal its intent for a prolonged occupation and comprehensive security control over Gaza, countering Palestinian, Arab, and international efforts aimed at reinstating the Palestinian Authority in Gaza following an Israeli withdrawal, which is envisaged to facilitate a new political process based on a two-state solution.
Israel has rejected this framework, framing it as a 'reward for the attacks of October 7.'
This development reflects Israel's determination to prevent the Palestinian Authority from regaining governance over the territory, adhering to a strategy articulated by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of 'neither Hamas-istan nor Fatah-istan.'
Recent statements by Israeli officials confirmed the arming of a Bedouin militia in the border area of Rafah, with a senior security source asserting that this initiative is only the beginning.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are reportedly considering broader implementation of this militia strategy following what has been described as 'success' in Rafah.
Israeli authorities have acknowledged providing weapons to these militant groups in Gaza, aiming to disrupt Hamas and create instability within the region.
Netanyahu supported this arming process, stating it was carried out 'on the recommendation of security agencies' and raised questions about the implications, asserting that it is beneficial and saves the lives of Israeli soldiers.
Israeli military officials have revealed that these militias are being supplied with Kalashnikov rifles, including some that have been seized from Hamas during ongoing military operations.
Notably, this decision was made without the approval of the security cabinet, marking a departure from standard protocols.
Instead, the operation was directed by Israeli security services with direct consent from Netanyahu.
The militia in Rafah, led by Yasser Abu Shabab, has been active in providing protection for humanitarian aid convoys entering from Israel through southern crossings, despite allegations from Hamas and other groups that they are looting aid.
This militia emerged in May 2024 following an Israeli incursion into the southern part of the Gaza Strip, ostensibly for securing humanitarian assistance and foreign delegations.
Video evidence has surfaced documenting these activities, while Hamas has categorized them as collaborators with Israel, issuing threats against them.
On May 30, Hamas released a video showing armed, masked men working outside a building before it was destroyed.
The group's portrayal indicates a connection to the Israeli army's operations in the area, but it remains unclear whether the individuals filmed were Palestinians or Israelis.
Comparisons online suggest that this group is likely identical to Abu Shabab's militia.
Reports indicate that this militia comprises around 300 members, with expectations of expansion if the experiment proves sustainable.
This is not the first time Netanyahu has faced allegations of supporting militias and emerging groups to undermine Hamas.
Previous attempts to collaborate with families and tribes in northern Gaza have not met with success, contrasting with the current operation in Rafah, which has reportedly yielded better results.
An Israeli source noted that the militia's activities have significantly 'saved Israeli soldiers' lives,' with military hopes that this initiative will accelerate the 'demise of Hamas.'
The undertaking arises from the recognition that the removal of Hamas necessitates the establishment of a viable alternative governance structure.
Israeli political leadership has rejected proposals from the Palestinian Authority or multinational forces, opting instead for a 'ground-level solution.' The strategy aims to cleanse specific regions, followed by transferring control to the Bedouin militia endowed with resources and authority, executed on a gradual basis.
The experiment is currently confined to areas fully controlled by Israel, with plans to extend to other regions contingent on its success.
This strategy underscores Netanyahu's commitment to excluding both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority from any future governance of Gaza.
Netanyahu has repeatedly emphasized that 'neither the Authority nor Hamas' will play a role in the 'post-day' scenario for Gaza.
Israel continues to signal its intent for a prolonged occupation and comprehensive security control over Gaza, countering Palestinian, Arab, and international efforts aimed at reinstating the Palestinian Authority in Gaza following an Israeli withdrawal, which is envisaged to facilitate a new political process based on a two-state solution.
Israel has rejected this framework, framing it as a 'reward for the attacks of October 7.'