The Israeli government is arming “ISIS-backed” clans in Gaza alongside its ongoing military occupation. This continues Israel’s long-standing use of sectarian proxies to support its imperialist policy.
Details. The Israeli government has officially confirmed the arming of “criminal” Palestinian militias inside Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated: “On the advice of security officials, we activated clans in Gaza that oppose Hamas. What’s wrong with that?”
► One of these militias, led by Yasser Abu Shabab, has been accused of ties to ISIS. Former Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman described the group as “close to ISIS”. These same militias have looted aid convoys and engaged in armed clashes with Hamas forces.
► The militia rejected any cooperation, stating: “We have not and will not work with the occupation,” claiming instead to oppose Israel and present themselves as part of the Palestinian resistance against both Hamas and the occupation.
Context. In the 1980s, Israel supported the rise of Hamas to weaken the secular PLO and divide the Palestinian national movement.
► During the Syrian conflict, Israel provided arms and medical aid to jihadist factions, including groups linked to ISIS, to weaken Iran-backed forces and destabilise Syria
Important to know. Social-chauvinists expose their opportunism by condemning Israel’s use of jihadist proxies in Syria, yet glorifying Iran-backed Hamas as “anti-imperialist resistance” when it clashes with US–Israeli interests.
► This reflects a nationalist, not Marxist, position. It supports some forces opposing the West selectively, based on geopolitical alignment rather than class character, while rejecting others, like ISIS, when politically inconvenient.
► Both Hamas and ISIS-type gangs have served Israel’s long-term interests: not only to weaken and disorient the Palestinian national movement, but also to justify chauvinism among Israeli citizens and provide cover for continued imperialist expansion.