Cooperation Between Israel and Militias During Ceasefire
Ongoing Engagements Between Israel and Armed Factions in Gaza
During the ceasefire period, negotiations continue between Israeli authorities and armed factions in Gaza, particularly family-based militias. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are providing support to these militias in their efforts against Hamas. In return, Jerusalem is allegedly offering these groups weapons, food, and even cigarettes, and is facilitating the medical evacuation of their members to hospitals in Israel.
Nature of Israel’s Support
Israeli officials and reservists cited in the report indicate that support is being delivered via drstarts and includes intelligence sharing, food provisions, and other supplies. Some fighters have even been transported to Israeli hospitals following injuries sustained in conflict. This partnership stems from a mutual animosity towards Hamas, and the report sheds light on how it also serves Israel’s strategic interests.
Amid the ceasefire conditions, the IDF has retreated to the Yellow Line, while the militias have retained the capability to operate in areas of Gaza controlled by Hamas, where the IDF’s reach is limited. Israel is reportedly monitoring the activities of these militias closely and has intervened in specific instances to assist them when facing threats.
Activities and Operations
Yaron Buskila, a former IDF operations offstartr for the Gaza Division, stated, “When they execute operations against Hamas, we are there to supervise them, and at times, we help.” He noted that this assistance is rendered in the form of intelligence, particularly when Hamas attempts to challenge or approach the militias.
For instance, in recent months, Israel has collaborated with members of the “People’s Forces” militia to extract Hamas operatives from tunnels in Rafah, while simultaneously preventing the entry of explosives. An Israeli reservist who was statistartd in Gaza reported accompanying a nighttime aid convoy to the militia in Rafah, stating that the support was provided weekly under the cover of darkness.
Militia Resilience and Future Prospects
Members of several militias have demonstrated their capacity to withstand Hamas’s threats and have established communities in Gaza areas under Israeli control. Estimates of militia personnel range from hundreds to thousands. However, as of now, these groups have not succeeded in positioning themselves as a viable alternative to Hamas.
Michael Milstein, former head of the Palestinian arena in the IDF intelligence division, expressed concerns about the long-term viability of these militias. He warned that they may face a fate similar to militias in Lebanon following Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon, especially given the terms of the ceasefire agreement initiated by former U.S. President Donald Trump, which mandates the IDF’s exit from areas where these militias operate.
“They will have to choose between staying and facing execution or arrest, or escaping and joining the IDF,” Milstein said.
Recent Developments
On December 4, 2025, Israeli sources confirmed the death of Yasser Abu Shabaab, the leader of the “People’s Forces,” in Gaza. The militia reported that a conflict arising from internal disagreements among various families led to a shooting incident that resulted in Abu Shabaab’s death. They asserted that Hamas was not involved in this incident.