### Israel's Strategic Shift: Netanyahu's Activation of Palestinian Clans Against Hamas - In a significant development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel has "activated" certain Palestinian clans in Gaza that oppose Hamas. This marks a notable shift in Israel's strategy, as it seeks to leverage local factions to combat the militant group. The implications of this move are still unfolding, and the specific roles these clans will play remain unclear. Netanyahu's comments represent the first public acknowledgment of Israel's support for armed Palestinian groups within Gaza, raising questions about the potential consequences of this strategy on the ongoing conflict and regional stability [https://apnews.com/video/netanyahu-says-israel-has-activated-some-palestinian-clans-opposed-to-hamas-ap-explains-7086437dd2844ef5b457605717517424]. ### Breakdown of Netanyahu's Announcement and Its Implications 1. **Activation of Clans**: Netanyahu stated that Israel has activated Palestinian clans opposed to Hamas, although the exact nature of their involvement is not specified [https://www.nbcnews.com/world/middle-east/israel-activated-palestinian-clans-opposed-hamas-gaza-netanyahu-says-rcna211379]. 2. **Political Backlash**: The announcement has sparked criticism, with opponents accusing the government of arming groups with questionable ties to criminal elements, raising ethical concerns about the implications of such support [https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/netanyahu-admits-israel-arming-gaza-clans-to-combat-hamas-sparks-backlash-23560765]. 3. **Justification for Arming**: Netanyahu defended the decision by stating that it aims to save the lives of Israeli soldiers, suggesting a tactical rationale behind the controversial move [https://uk.news.yahoo.com/netanyahu-defends-arming-palestinian-clans-094916640.html]. 4. **Potential for Political Scandal**: The revelations surrounding the arming of these clans could lead to significant political fallout, as they may be perceived as a departure from established military and diplomatic protocols [https://nilepost.co.ug/news/263160/netanyahu-confirms-israel-arming-clans-opposed-to-hamas-in-gaza]. ### Supporting Evidence and Contextual Data - **Public Acknowledgment**: Netanyahu's comments represent a shift in Israel's approach, as they are the first public acknowledgment of backing armed Palestinian groups, which could alter the dynamics of the conflict [https://www.abc27.com/news/top-stories/ap-top-headlines/ap-netanyahu-says-israel-has-activated-some-palestinian-clans-in-the-fight-against-hamas]. - **Opposition Criticism**: The announcement has been met with backlash from political opponents, who argue that arming these clans could lead to unintended consequences and further destabilization in the region [https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2025-06-05/netanyahu-says-israel-has-activated-some-palestinian-clans-in-the-fight-against-hamas]. ### Conclusion: An Uncertain Path Forward - **Strategic Implications**: Netanyahu's activation of Palestinian clans against Hamas could represent a new phase in Israel's military strategy, but it also raises significant ethical and political questions. The potential for backlash and the effectiveness of this approach remain to be seen. 1. **Activation of Clans**: Israel's strategy now includes local Palestinian factions. 2. **Political Backlash**: Criticism from opposition parties highlights the controversial nature of this decision. 3. **Justification for Actions**: Netanyahu claims this move is necessary for the safety of Israeli soldiers. 4. **Potential Scandal**: The implications of arming these clans could lead to political repercussions for Netanyahu's government. The situation is fluid, and the international community will be closely monitoring the developments stemming from this announcement [https://www.sootoday.com/world-news/netanyahu-says-israel-has-activated-some-palestinian-clans-in-the-fight-against-hamas-10766580].