Israel's Bold Move: Arming Anti-Hamas Militia in Gaza

In a development that marks a dramatic shift in Israel's approach to Gaza, JFeed has confirmed that Israeli authorities have been supplying light arms to the militia led by Yasser Abu Shabab in Rafah. The weapons include Kalashnikov rifles and other firearms seized from Hamas operatives during IDF raids.

The move, coordinated by Israel’s defense establishment and approved at the political level though not by the full security cabinet is aimed at weakening Hamas from within by empowering rival local forces. Abu Shabab's militia, which has recently assumed a central role in securing humanitarian corridors operated by international NGOs, is now considered by Israel a critical partner on the ground.

This collaboration is highly unusual. It marks the first known case since October 7 where Israel has deliberately armed a non-Israeli group within Gaza's borders, signaling a potential paradigm shift in the management of post-Hamas territory.

A Fragile Alliance

Despite their alignment with Israeli interests, Abu Shabab’s forces remain under constant threat. Hamas views the group as collaborators and has already attempted targeted attacks on their leadership. Photos circulating online show militia fighters posing in a former Rafah palace, now serving as their base of operations.

Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman publicly revealed the weapons transfer during a Wednesday radio interview, criticizing the government for bypassing formal cabinet procedures. Nevertheless, sources close to the Prime Minister’s Office did not deny the report, stating only that "multiple means are being used to defeat Hamas."

Tactical or Strategic?

The long-term implications of this cooperation remain unclear. Some Israeli officials see it as a temporary tactic to secure aid delivery and destabilize Hamas, while others believe it could evolve into a broader plan for post-war governance in Gaza.

For now, Abu Shabab’s fighters remain the only Gazan force openly collaborating with Israel and that fact alone is reshaping the battlefield.