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."

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Video: Netanyahu in the Knesset on May 28, 2025 / Credit: Knesset Channel

"We eliminated tens of thousands of terrorists, [Hamas military wing chief] Muhammed Deif, [Hezbollah chief ] Hassan Nasrallah, [Hamas' Gaza leader who attacked Israel on Oct. 7] Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Sinwar, and seized the Rafah and Morag crossings. In the last two days, we've been executing a dramatic plan toward the complete defeat of Hamas. We're taking control of their food distribution and money machine. This is what destroys their governing capabilities. That's what we promised."

Member of Knesset Naama Lazimi accused him, saying, "While our people were being massacred, you went to get made up. In contrast, Yair Golan flew to the massacre site and saved people you abandoned,"" referring to Netanyahu's supposed actions on Oct. 7.  MK Ofer Cassif was removed from the plenum podium after accusing the Israeli Defense Forces of bombing children in Gaza.

The "40 signatures" debate, marked by chaos and shouting, occurred amid the ongoing war and conscription crisis. MK Avigdor Lieberman, leader of Yisrael Beytenu, fiercely attacked Netanyahu, stating, "You fought to appoint Yair Golan as chief of staff, but you failed. You're beaming with joy over his remarks because it distracts from your failures." Lieberman promised, "A state inquiry commission will be established," adding, "Read my lips – you won't succeed in delaying the elections."

Lieberman further accused Netanyahu of exploiting Yair Golan's statements, saying, "I saw you celebrating, glowing with happiness. It lets you divert attention from the hostages, the looting of humanitarian aid entering Gaza, and the direct US-Iran talks – where we're simply ignored." Recalling past meetings, Lieberman noted that in March 1996, after deadly attacks, Netanyahu rejected Shimon Peres' envoy Arieh Deri's attempt to delay elections, saying, "Look at those crooks."

Lieberman concluded by criticizing Netanyahu's past claims about the Arab public, stating, "You boasted you invested more in them than any Israeli government. So stop the incitement, stop the divisiveness. Your lust for power has driven you mad. You've lost it. Your legacy – you'll forever be the most failed, cynical, and terrible leader in the history of the Jewish people."

Netanyahu took the podium, responding, "I look at the opposition's debate title, 'Complete failure of the government to achieve war goals.' Have you lost  your minds? Are you living on Earth or another planet?" He continued, "You spoke of zero achievements. I want to tell you what many in Israel know – in Israel's wars, never have there been so many achievements on so many fronts. On the morning of October 7, many among us feared we wouldn't recover from the heavy blow. But I'll tell you exactly what I said – just two days after the attack, I told local authority heads: We're going to change the face of the Middle East. And that's exactly what we've done."

At the end of his speech, Knesset member Gilad Kariv approached the Prime Minister with an Israeli flag map, tried to attach it to Netanyahu, but security guards pushed him away.

Opposition Leader Yair Lapid responded and said: "One sentence you said caught my attention – 'Look where we were and see where we are now.' Let's ask a simple question – every Israeli citizen should ask themselves: What is my situation today? What was my situation before you began your rule? In the previous government? What is my situation now – security-wise, economically, in the country where I live?"

Lapid continued: "What did you have compared to two and a half years ago? The State of Israel was secure. The borders were secure. There were warnings – so we acted immediately. No soldier was injured. You are not the Prime Minister of Revival – you are the Prime Minister of October 7."

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