Summary
A report by the Israeli newspaper Maariv reveals that most members of the militia armed by Israel in Gaza are criminals involved in drug trafficking and extortion, with recruitment linked to Israel’s internal security service, Shin Bet. Shin Bet head Ronen Bar recommended arming the Abu Shabab gang with weapons seized from Hamas and Hezbollah, claiming it would not alter the balance of power in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the arming of the militia, which an unnamed Israeli official noted is primarily engaged in smuggling rather than supporting the Palestinian cause.
