Anti-Hamas Gaza clans inflict heavy losses, pose 'day after' dilemma for Israel

Since the ceasefire was declared, the clans have helped secure the Yellow Line and the area west of it, while also assisting in locating weapons and terrorist infrastructure above and below ground.

jpost.com ·5h ago

Bedouin clans in Gaza have clashed with Hamas forces, suffering heavy losses in recent operations, according to security officials. The clans, operating discreetly, have aided in securing the Yellow Line and surrounding areas, as well as locating weapons and terrorist infrastructure. Their efforts are described as effective and in line with plans, but some officials express concerns about supporting them in the future.

The situation has sparked debate within the security establishment. Some senior officials on the Peace Council, backed by the US, advocate for disarming the clans the day after the ceasefire. However, the Israeli security establishment plans to keep some clans within the Yellow Line's operational responsibility to safeguard them. Peace Council officials desire the clans to be returned to Palestinian territory as part of a future IDF withdrawal.

The issue is seen as a complex "minefield" that the political echelon is reluctant to address, using it as leverage against both Hamas and the Peace Council. Despite close cooperation between the IDF, Israeli security bodies, and American officials, transferring the clans to Israeli territory has not been considered. Bedouin clans have demonstrated control over their respective areas during IDF ground maneuvers in Gaza, with armed forces positioning operatives at territory entrances to counter Hamas security forces.

Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.