Title: Israeli Backing for Abu Shabab Militia in Gaza Sparks Controversy
Israel Provides Weapons to Palestinian Militia in Gaza, Officially Endorses Them
Battered by cross-border clashes, Gaza aches for a change. Israel, sensing an opportunity, has reportedly chosen to fund and arm the Abu Shabab militia, a local armed organization operating in southern Gaza, as a potential replacement for Hamas.
According to the Hebrew news site Walla, Israeli security officials believe Abu Shabab to be a viable long-term alternative to Hamas. With the militia already securing aid convoys and supply routes in Rafah, Israel hopes for a gradual erosion of Hamas's support.
However, the alliance has sparked controversy. Abu Shabab, in a statement, denied any foreign affiliations and claimed that their weapons are part of a long-standing tribal legacy dating back to the Bedouin Tarabin tribe. Yet, Israel has reportedly supplied the militia with Kalashnikovs, handguns, and ammunition.
Questioned about the partnership, Yasser Abu Shabab, the group's leader, vehemently denied any collaboration with Israel or its troops. In an online audio clip, he clarified that the militia's funding comes from private contributions and local support, rather than Israel.
Meanwhile, suspicions about the group's ascent to power run deep. With its potential to govern the unstable region, Abu Shabab seeks to dispel rumors and maintain its legitimacy among Gazans by stressing its independence from Israel.
Whether Israel is actively supporting the Abu Shabab militia remains a topic of debate. Israeli officials have not explicitly confirmed the reports, leaving the relationship between the two parties shrouded in mystery.
[1] "Israel backs new Gaza militia as potential Hamas replacement" – Middle East Eye (https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israel-backs-new-gaza-militia-potential-hamas-replacement)
[2] "Exclusive: Yasser Abu Shabab Denies Collaborating with Israel" – Al Jazeera (https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/8/exclusive-yasser-abu-shabab-denies-collaborating-with-israel)
- The news of Israel backing the Abu Shabab militia in Gaza as a potential replacement for Hamas has sparked a heated debate in the realm of general news.
- Despite Abu Shabab's denial of foreign affiliations and their claim of a historic tribal legacy, the opiniion in war-and-conflicts circles remains divided over Israel's reported supply of weapons to the militia.
- The unexpected alliance has also raised concerns in the political sphere about the possible shift in power dynamics in the volatile Gaza region, with many questioning the legitimacy of Abu Shabab's ascent.
- In the business world, the involvement of Israel in funding and arming the Abu Shabab militia might have significant implications for the future of trade and diplomatic relations in the Middle East, a matter that requires careful consideration and analysis.
