Following the revelation by Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman that Israel had transferred weapons and ammunition to crime families in the Gaza Strip, the military censor today (Thursday) authorized the publication of partial details about the covert operation.
According to journalist Doron Kadosh, Israel transferred the weapons to militia members in the Gaza Strip. Many of the firearms—such as Kalashnikov rifles—had been previously confiscated from Hamas during IDF operations in the area.
Militia members are fighting Hamas
The militia is led by Yasser Abu Shabab and is currently active mainly in the Rafah area, which has already been captured and cleared by the IDF. The militia operates in the region to combat Hamas and to provide protection for humanitarian aid entering the Strip.
The initiative was coordinated with security agencies and approved at the political level
The plan to arm the militia was developed in coordination with Israeli security services and was presented to the political echelon, where it received approval. According to sources familiar with the details of the operation, the move was carried out without requiring Cabinet authorization.
No other groups in Gaza currently cooperating with Israel
At this time, the Abu Shabab militia is the only group in the Gaza Strip engaged in security cooperation with Israel. No other factions are involved in similar collaboration with the Israeli defense establishment.
The Prime Minister’s Office has not denied the reports, and has hinted that Israel is operating through various means to bring about the defeat of Hamas—on the recommendation of senior defense officials. However, security sources and senior figures in the defense establishment have raised concerns that arming Palestinian actors may create new security risks, especially in the absence of a comprehensive post-war plan.
The operation was discussed in a classified Knesset committee
The operation, which according to Lieberman involved the transfer of assault rifles and light weapons, was brought for discussion in a classified Knesset committee. There, representatives of the defense establishment, including the head of the Research Division, provided a detailed briefing on the matter.
