Ex-defense chief Liberman says Netanyahu arming Gazan gang, PM’s office does not deny

Former defense minister Avigdor Liberman says Israel is arming a criminal gang of Gazan jihadists, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of unilaterally approving weapons transfers to the group.

Liberman, who heads the opposition Yisrael Beytenu party, appears to be referring to the Abu Shabab clan, an armed gang opposed to Hamas which has been documented in recent days operating in an area near the Kerem Shalom crossing under Israeli military control.

“The Israeli government is giving weapons to a group of criminals and felons, identified with Islamic State, at the direction of the prime minister,” Liberman tells the Kan public broadcaster. “To my knowledge this did not go through approval by the cabinet.”

Liberman claims that the head of the Shin Bet is aware “but I don’t know how much the IDF chief of staff was in on it.”

According to Tel Aviv University researcher Michael Milshtein, Abu Shabab is known in Gaza as drug dealers and thieves, and was previously involved in looting aid trucks.

In recent days, footage published online, including by clan leader Yasser Abu Shabab, has shown member of the gang wearing military-style uniforms with the Palestinian flag and the words “Counter-Terrorism Mechanism” emblazoned on them.

The Prime Minister’s Office releases a statement in response to Liberman but does not deny the allegations.

“Israel is working to defeat Hamas through various means, based on the recommendations of all the heads of the security establishment,” it says.