Israel Arms ISIS‑Linked Terror Group

As global condemnation intensifies amid accusations of genocide in Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly charting a dangerous new strategic course. With Hamas severely weakened and international pressure mounting, Israel’s government appears to be building a new adversary—but this time from within Gaza itself.

A New Militia Rising

In early June 2025, Netanyahu publicly confirmed that Israel has “activated Palestinian clans” in Gaza to oppose Hamas, a statement widely interpreted as tacit approval of arming a local clan-based militia led by Yasser Abu Shabab, known as the “Popular Forces” or “Anti‑Terror Service.” Operating in eastern Rafah, the group controls territory near the Egypt border, including aid distribution routes. It is reported to field approximately 300 fighters and has been documented using Kalashnikov rifles—some allegedly seized from Hamas—while providing armed “security” for aid convoys (The Times).

Allegations of ISIS Links

What has particularly alarmed observers is the emergence of credible claims linking this militia to ISIS:

• Political and military warnings: Former Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman explicitly accused Netanyahu of arming “criminal families in Gaza identified with ISIS.” Lieberman stressed there is “no guarantee these weapons won’t be used against us.”
• Investigative media: Ynet reported that some militia members previously fought with ISIS in Sinai, identifying Abu Shabab’s group as “Israeli-backed and Islamic State-linked.” Similarly, The New Arab described the group as “ISIS-linked, aid-stealing” fighters.
• Academic and NGO confirmations: Wikipedia’s entries on Popular Forces and Salafi-jihadist insurgency in Gaza classify elements of this militia as allegedly affiliated with ISIS.

A Dark History of Looting and Extremism

Multiple sources confirm the group’s involvement in large-scale looting of humanitarian aid—from warehouse raids to hijacking UN convoys. A November 2024 attack on 109 trucks, many of which carried UN supplies, is widely attributed to Abu Shabab’s militia. A UN official described incidents of “grand larceny” occurring “under the watch of Israeli forces.” Frightened Gazan truck drivers claim they have to pay for protection in areas where civil authority has collapsed (The Times).

Abu Shabab’s Denial—and His Criminal Past

Abu Shabab categorically denies any ties to ISIS or coordination with Israel, framing his actions as humanitarian and autonomously Palestinian. He asserted his militia is funded by “individual efforts and donations,” operating under the “legitimate Palestinian authority.”

Yet his criminal history is well documented. Born December 19, 1993, into the Tarabin Bedouin tribe, Abu Shabab served time in prison for drug trafficking, theft, and smuggling before being released by Hamas during the October 2023 war. Initial reports suggested even Hamas once held him under suspicion of ISIS affiliations. In fact, some Sinai-smuggling networks involve his clan (The New Arab).

Strategic Motives—and Rising Risks

Israel’s reasoning for arming the Popular Forces appears straightforward: to maintain leverage and justify ongoing military engagement after Hamas has been diminished. Netanyahu argues that empowering non-state armed actors in Gaza can reduce IDF casualties and counter any resurgence (AP News).

But this line of logic carries considerable danger. By enabling a militia with extremist ties, Israel risks creating a volatile force that can easily pivot into a renewed wave of violence—whether against Hamas, Israel, or innocent Palestinians. Critics warn this is tantamount to manufacturing chaos to justify permanent military occupation.

Humanitarian and Legal Implications

A key concern remains humanitarian access. UN and NGO leaders report ongoing interference and looting of aid convoys, worsening the already dire situation in Gaza. A UN official noted that militia members, flanked by Israeli troops, can operate with impunity—raising serious questions about compliance with international humanitarian law.

Moreover, allegations of genocide and war crimes have triggered global legal attention. With the International Court of Justice and UN bodies examining the scale of civilian harm, any evidence of indirect arming of extremist groups may be used to reinforce cases of state culpability.

Preparing the Next War

Abu Shabab’s militia is more than a weapon against Hamas—it’s a manufactured insurgency. In destabilizing Gaza’s fragile infrastructure, arming a group with extremist baggage, and letting it assert control over territory, Netanyahu’s administration is ensuring that the war narrative never really ends.

As one Gaza local told The Times:

“Our people are like lab rats—everyone tries things out on them.”
(The Times)

In the absence of Hamas, Israel seems intent on creating a new enemy—one with extremist optics that can justify future military operations. Rather than paving the way for peace, this approach perpetuates war by design.