Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed that his government is arming clans inside Gaza who he claims are opposed to Hamas, amid mounting political backlash and warnings from Israeli politicians and security figures.

The move, first reported by Israeli media and later confirmed by defence sources, involves the provision of weapons — including Kalashnikov rifles seized from Hamas — to a Gaza-based clan led by Yasser Abu Shabab. The clan, described by some as a militia and by others as a criminal gang, operates in Rafah, an area currently under Israeli military control.

“What’s wrong with this?” Netanyahu asked in a short video posted to social media. “It only saves the lives of Israeli soldiers… and publicising it only helps Hamas.”

The decision has sparked outrage in Israel, with opposition politicians accusing Netanyahu of acting unilaterally and compromising national security. Avigdor Lieberman, head of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, told the public broadcaster Kan that Netanyahu had approved the arms transfer without cabinet oversight.

“The Israeli government is giving weapons to a group of criminals and felons, identified with the Islamic State group,” Lieberman said. “To my knowledge, this did not go through approval by the cabinet.”

His claims were corroborated by Israeli defence sources, who confirmed the weapons were indeed supplied with the prime minister’s authorisation.

However, Abu Shabab has denied receiving weapons from Israel. In an online statement, he insisted: “Our weapons are simple, outdated and came through the support of our own people.”

The clan, which claims to protect aid convoys entering Gaza, has been accused by critics of looting humanitarian supplies instead. Reports also suggest that Hamas is treating the group as a growing threat. According to one Arabic newspaper, Hamas’ armed wing has already begun assassinating clan members.

Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats in the Knesset, posted strong criticism on X, writing: “Netanyahu is a threat to Israel’s national security. Instead of bringing about a deal… bringing the hostages home and providing security for Israeli citizens, he is creating a new ticking time-bomb in Gaza.”

In response to the controversy, Netanyahu’s office maintained that the initiative was part of broader efforts to defeat Hamas “through various means, based on the recommendations of all the heads of the security establishment.”

Despite this, concerns remain over the long-term implications of arming independent groups in the war-torn enclave, with critics warning of potential blowback and deepening instability.

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