As Israel approaches its upcoming election, an ongoing investigation highlights a complex and contentious development in Gaza involving the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the Shin Bet security service, and Palestinian militias opposed to Hamas. Since the cease-fire in October, Israel has reportedly expanded its collaboration with five prominent Palestinian militias within the Gaza Strip, effectively integrating them as operational partners in military and security efforts.
The findings, based on satellite imagery, testimonies from soldiers, sources within Gaza, United Nations data, and open-source analysis, reveal increasing coordination between these militias and Israeli forces. This cooperation has raised concerns about the safety of Israeli soldiers and the impact on Gaza’s civilian population. One soldier described an incident where Israeli troops unexpectedly found themselves present at a militia-run tribunal, during which a participant was shot and injured.
The militias involved reportedly engage in activities including the displacement of Gaza residents from their homes, actions carried out with the knowledge or direct coordination of the IDF. An Israel Air Force officer described the arrangement as sending “armed, trained militias to commit war crimes,” while Israeli forces are compelled to provide protection for these groups during operations.
The political ramifications of this arrangement further complicate prospects for peace. Israel’s advancement of U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace initiative is predicated on Hamas fully disarming. Hamas, in turn, views the militias as a direct threat and demands their disbandment as a prerequisite for any ceasefire or disarmament on their part. This tension has contributed to the stalemate surrounding the peace plan, impeding efforts to achieve a lasting resolution, remove Israel’s military presence from Gaza, and channel resources toward reconstruction.
Beyond the militia issue, the investigation points to ongoing challenges in Gaza, including frequent IDF strikes that result in civilian casualties and the military’s reinforcement along the so-called Yellow Line, which increasingly serves as a de facto border, limiting hopes for Israeli withdrawal. Critics argue that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s policies have led to a protracted and unstable situation characterized by low-intensity conflict, extensive hardship for Gaza’s population, and strained Israeli security forces stretched across multiple fronts.
Analysts suggest that an essential step toward resolving the conflict would involve reconsidering or halting the militia collaboration initiative. Without addressing the political and security complexities introduced by this evolving arrangement, efforts to establish an alternative governing authority in Gaza and achieve a durable peace are likely to remain stalled.