The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) is behind the recruitment of the Abu Shabab criminal gang. Its head, Ronen Bar, recommended Netanyahu implement the recruitment and arming of the gang. He presented a pilot plan, including the controlled introduction of a limited number of rifles and pistols, which would not alter the balance of armaments inside Gaza.

The Abu Shabab gang comprises several dozen members. Most of the individuals recruited by the Shin Bet to form a mercenary gang for Israel are criminals from Gaza involved in drug trafficking, smuggling, and property crimes.

The Shin Bet's basic idea was to use this gang as a pilot project to see if it could impose some kind of alternative rule to Hamas in a small, limited area inside Rafah.

The Israeli security establishment clarifies that they "don't entertain any illusions or place high hopes on this group as an alternative to Hamas."

A security source acknowledged that there are no firm indications yet that Abu Shabab elements can exert any real influence in the area where they operate.