Israeli opposition leader Avigdor Liberman accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of arming an ISIS-affiliated gang in southern Gaza, a claim later confirmed by Netanyahu’s office.

The group, led by Yasser Abu Shabab, has extremist ties and has been involved in looting aid shipments. Netanyahu defended the move, stating that supporting anti-Hamas factions helps protect Israeli soldiers. However, critics, including former IDF general Yair Golan, warned that arming such groups risks creating future security threats.

The U.S. State Department distanced itself from the policy, referring questions to Israel. Reports indicate Abu Shabab’s gang operates in Israeli-controlled zones, with alleged ties to ISIS-linked figures.

This strategy echoes past Israeli policies of countering Hamas by empowering rival factions, raising concerns over unintended consequences.