Netanyahu defends arming Palestinian clans accused of ties with jihadist groups

[muriel_volestrangler]

2. Opponents say Netanyahu's decision to arm "clans in Gaza" to help fight Hamas will come back to haunt Israel

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid responded to the claim that Israel is arming Abu Shabab with a warning that it could see a repeat of a grim history for the country.

For decades, including multiple terms in office for Netanyahu, Israel allowed Hamas to grow and entrench its control in Gaza, with millions of dollars in support from the Arab would pouring in. It was seen as a cynical bid to prevent a unified Palestinian leadership from taking hold in Gaza and the much larger territory of the West Bank.

"After Netanyahu finished giving millions of dollars to Hamas, he moved on to giving weapons to organizations close to ISIS in Gaza, all off the cuff, all without strategic planning, all leading to more disasters," Lapid said on social media.

"Weapons that enter Gaza will eventually be turned against IDF soldiers and Israeli citizens," he said.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/israel-hamas-war-netanyahu-arming-gangs-gaza-clans-activated/