Netanyahu admits Israel is backing gangs in Gaza to counter Hamas

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has admitted his country is arming gangs in Gaza, which have been accused by aid groups of stealing lifesaving humanitarian aid, in a bid to counter the Palestinian movement Hamas.

Netanyahu said on Thursday his government had "activated" powerful local clans in the enclave on the advice of "security officials," hours after former Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman alleged the gang that Israel was backing was affiliated with the Islamic State group.

"We made use of clans in Gaza that are opposed to Hamas… What's wrong with that?” Netanyahu said in a video posted on X.

"It's only good. It saves the lives of Israeli soldiers."

Hours earlier, Netanyahu's office said that "Israel is working to defeat Hamas in various ways, on the recommendation of all heads of the security establishment."

Read more: Netanyahu admits Israel is backing gangs in Gaza to counter Hamas