Netanyahu admits arming militias in Gaza on the recommendation of security agencies

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged on Thursday that he was arming militias in the Gaza Strip, allegedly using force against Hamas.

This came in a video clip broadcast by the official broadcasting authority, in which Netanyahu said: "At the recommendation of the security authorities, we have armed clans in Gaza that oppose Hamas," he said.

"What's the problem with that? It's a good thing and it saves the lives of our soldiers," he claimed.

This statement comes hours after former Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman revealed that "the Israeli government transferred weapons to Palestinian gangs inside Gaza, under direct orders from Netanyahu."

He pointed out that this step did not pass through the security cabinet, but rather took place with the knowledge of Shin Bet head Ronen Bar.

In response, Netanyahu accused Lieberman, leader of the right-wing opposition party Yisrael Beiteinu, in the video clip of "publishing security information for political purposes."