The idea of relying on armed clans in the Gaza Strip was attempted earlier in the war, but back then Hamas was far stronger, managing to brutally eliminate several groups to maintain its control. Now, Hamas is in a state of disintegration, on the defensive due to numerous eliminations of its terrorists and commanders.
The concept was revived with the start of the IDF's intensified operation. A Shin Bet field operative proposed a plan to temporarily hand over control to clans, providing them with discreet aid to prevent Hamas from plundering the supplies it uses to dominate the population.
The plan, approved with few confidants – including the chief of staff, senior southern command, Shin Bet head, Minister of Defense Israel Katz, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and his military secretary – began modestly near the Morag corridor in south Gaza, gradually expanding. Refugees in the south started hearing about it through word of mouth, reaching these "safe" areas.
As preparations were finalized for opening US-sponsored aid centers under IDF protection, a Shin Bet operative suggested using armed locals to secure routes from Hamas-controlled Muwasi areas to the centers. The concern – later realized – was that Hamas would forcibly block access, and IDF involvement could endanger civilians.
It worked reasonably well until last Sunday's incident. Initially, claims suggested IDF involvement in the shooting, but during the week, an eyewitness and Palestinian sources told Israel Hayom, "Hamas gunmen threatened civilians heading to the center, firing into the air." At least one fired his weapon, prompting the armed clans to intervene, killing at least two Hamas members. A Hamas reinforcement unit arrived, escalating the chaos into a widespread firefight, injuring dozens of residents and gunmen.
The approach seems correct and vital for the main goals – dismantling Hamas' control in Gaza, breaking the population's fear barrier, and ultimately removing Hamas as an active organization. While it worked quietly, it was effective, but Knesset member Avigdor Lieberman's claim on Thursday that Israel is arming militias linked to the Islamic State in Gaza harmed the effort.
Criticism will persist across the political spectrum. The right will argue these are armed Palestinians; the left will question why not the Palestinian Authority, which, by the way, coordinates with the clans. Some will label them gangs looting supplies, but the bottom line is that this force, reportedly under Israeli oversight, is eroding Hamas' control. Even those favoring the Palestinian Authority must acknowledge that without dismantling Hamas, no force will enter – and now one is. The caveat is the risk of losing control. A security official says, "At this stage, the clans pose no threat, and their activity is highly beneficial."
