Hamas leaders are rattled by emergence of clans against them in Gaza

From Israel’s perspective, this is currently the preferred solution, because nobody wants Hamas or the P.A.," a former 8200 commander says. ( JNS) Israel is reportedly actively arming and supporting multiple local, anti-Hamas clans and militias in the Gaza Strip as part of a broader effort to cultivate a new source of local power for the “day after” the war. According to assessments in Israel, Hamas has been significantly shaken by these efforts.

Recent reports indicate this policy, which includes Israeli support for a militia led by Yasser Abu Shabab in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, is expanding. According to a July 3 report by Ynet news, Israel is arming and coordinating with two additional clans: the Khalas clan, operating in Gaza City’s Shejaiya neighborhood, and a faction led by Yasser Khanidak in Khan Yunis.

This effort represents a significant attempt to reshape the political-security landscape of a post-war landscape. Brig. Gen. (ret.) Hanan Geffen, a former commander of the Israel Defense Forces elite Unit 8200 intelligence unit, told JNS in recent days that Israel is trying to learn and apply lessons from past, negative experiences with setting up groups.

...He explained that the Strip is composed of three main populations: the original residents; Bedouin tribes who arrived from Sinai; and a very large population of refugees from 1948 who came to dominate Gaza. “The descendants of refugees from the camps took over the Strip. In the end, Hamas took power,” Geffen said. (Ed note: Psalm 83:6, "The tents of Edom..." Bill Salus' book, "Psalm 83" is an excellent read and reference on this subject.)  (Read More)