Experts say gang- leader’s killing exposes fragility of Israel’s militia strategy in Gaza

Two Palestinian analysts say that the killing of Yasser Abu Shabab, the leader of a militia backed by Israel in the Gaza Strip, has dealt a major blow to the Israeli security project that relies on irregular armed groups to establish so-called “green zones” in the territory. They argue that the incident further complicates Israel’s efforts to shape the governance of Gaza in the post-war phase.

Alaa al-Rimawi, an expert on Israeli affairs, said the Hebrew press had highlighted the implications of Abu Shabab’s killing and raised doubts about the effectiveness of relying on militias that lack discipline and enjoy no social legitimacy among Palestinians in Gaza.

Speaking to Quds Press, al-Rimawi said the death of Abu Shabab—whether at the hands of the resistance or resulting from internal disputes—had exposed the fragility of Israel’s militia-based approach. He added that the incident has caused “clear discomfort” within Israel’s security establishment.

Al-Rimawi noted that Israel had depended on such groups for two primary roles: providing intelligence, particularly on tunnels and resistance fighters in Rafah and Khan Younis, and carrying out special missions deemed too risky for the army itself. These included entering tunnels, conducting targeted assassinations, and executing kidnappings.

READ: Hamas claims responsibility for assassination of Israeli- backed gang leader in Gaza