Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly acknowledged on Thursday that Israel has provided weapons to local clans in the Gaza Strip as part of efforts to weaken Hamas. The confirmation came during a heated exchange with opposition lawmaker Avigdor Lieberman, who accused Netanyahu of empowering "criminal gangs" with untraceable arms that could eventually threaten Israeli security.
A Strategic Gamble
In a video statement posted to social media platform X, Netanyahu defended the initiative, stating it was "advised by security officials" to reduce risks to Israel Defense Forces (IDF) personnel. "What's wrong with that? It's only a good thing," he asserted. Israeli state broadcaster Kan TV reported the operation was approved by Netanyahu and coordinated with the Shin Bet security agency, bypassing formal Security Cabinet authorization.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The revelation coincides with worsening conditions in Gaza after 20 months of conflict. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports 90% of families lack funds to purchase scarce food supplies, while critical infrastructure lies in ruins. Israeli authorities blocked five out of 16 coordinated aid missions this week, including water transport and fuel stock relocation attempts.
With markets devoid of meat, dairy, and fresh produce, and eggs disappearing again from shelves, OCHA warns of catastrophic food insecurity. The situation compounds existing challenges from widespread destruction of hospitals, universities, and farmland during sustained military operations.
