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By Heraldviews

Israel has been supplying weapons to a criminal gang in Gaza as part of efforts to undermine Hamas, defence sources confirmed on Thursday. The revelation came after Avigdor Liberman, a former defence minister, accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of unilaterally approving the arms transfers to the Abu Shabab clan without cabinet approval.

Mr Netanyahu later acknowledged the policy in a video statement, defending it as a means to "save lives of IDF soldiers". The prime minister said Israel was "working to defeat Hamas through various means", including by supporting local clans opposed to the militant group.

Defence officials speaking anonymously confirmed the arms transfers involved Kalashnikov rifles, including weapons seized from Hamas. The decision bypassed normal security-cabinet procedures, being approved directly by Mr Netanyahu and security chiefs.

The Abu Shabab clan, which emerged in Rafah following Israel's military operation there, claims to be securing humanitarian aid convoys. However, it has been accused of looting supplies and has clashed with Hamas forces. A Hamas video published on May 30th purportedly showed the group's fighters being targeted.

Mr Liberman, now an opposition leader, condemned the policy as "giving weapons to a group of criminals and felons". He drew parallels with Mr Netanyahu's previous strategy of tolerating Hamas to weaken the Palestinian Authority, quoting the prime minister's alleged 2019 remark that opponents of Palestinian statehood should support funding Hamas.

The controversy highlights Israel's complex calculus in Gaza, where it seeks alternatives to Hamas rule while facing criticism over alliances with unsavoury armed groups. As Hamas targets the clan, the gamble risks creating another militant faction in the embattled territory.