Will arming Gazan militias against Hamas harm Israel in the long run?
Peloni: A decisive assault on Gaza followed by fascilitated tranfer of Gazans to Jordan would provide the version of what might be deemed as victory in Gaza. Arming gangs suggests a long term strategy in Gaza which will obstruct both aspects of victory
Relying on a tribal militia or clan in Gaza may work in the short term. However, in the long term it is unlikely to achieve success.
By SETH J. FRANTZMAN | JUNE 7, 2025
Reports have confirmed that Israel has been arming and apparently supporting or working with armed militias in Gaza. Some reports refer to this group as a “gang.” Others describe the leader of the group, Yasser Abu Shabab, as a member of a large clan in southern Gaza.
There may be more clans being activated or encouraged than just the one linked to Abu Shabab, which is not his real name but rather a nomme de guerre, meaning the full details about this group continue to be shrouded in some mystery.It is therefore hard to know if these groups will become an effective anti-Hamas movement. If they are gangs that are better known for looting and other past crimes than for achieving much now, then they will likely not be embraced by the average person.












