The Israeli government is reportedly exploring a "pilot program" that could introduce the involvement of US private security firms in northern Gaza. This move, as reported by the Israeli daily Globes, aims to enable these firms to replace the Israeli army in securing the passage of humanitarian aid—specifically food and medicine—into the war-torn region. The initiative comes amid ongoing concerns about the safety of aid convoys, which are often impeded by various groups, including Hamas. Key players vying for the lucrative contracts include Constellis, which emerged from the notorious mercenary group Blackwater, and Orbis, a lesser-known firm with extensive ties to US military operations. Officials assert that this approach could relieve the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from the dangers associated with these missions while ensuring that aid reaches those who need it.
In response to the persistent threat to humanitarian operations, Gaza’s interior ministry has formed a new police force designed to combat the rising criminal activities, particularly gangs that have been engaging in robbery and blackmail during aid distribution. Despite these efforts, the United Nations has raised concerns regarding the Israeli army’s possible complicity, suggesting that such gangs may be benefiting from tacit or overt support from military forces. At the same time, another US security company, Global Delivery Company (GDC), has proposed creating “humanitarian bubbles” aimed at safeguarding aid operations in Gaza, highlighting the increasing role of private security in the region’s humanitarian crises.
While specific financial details surrounding the contracts for these mercenary firms have not been disclosed, estimates from military experts suggest that the costs could escalate to billions of shekels each year. The former Israeli military officer, Lt. Col. Yochanan Zoraf, explained that these companies won’t be managing the day-to-day lives of Gaza residents but rather will hold responsibility for ensuring the safety of aid deliveries. Zoraf predicts that there will be external financial support from either humanitarian organizations or foreign nations, which would help cover the operational expenses of these private firms.
However, there are challenges facing the implementation of this pilot program. Reports indicate that the proposal has yet to gain approval from Israel’s security cabinet, primarily due to concerns about the legal implications of using foreign security firms in an occupied territory, as defined by international laws. To navigate these legal hurdles, Israeli security services are investigating the possibility of securing funding through international humanitarian aid sources, although establishing such partnerships would involve considerable time and negotiation.
A broader context of this initiative includes Israel’s difficulties with military enlistment, particularly since these challenges have intensified amid accusations of widespread violence and atrocities against Palestinians. As part of its response to the enlistment crisis, the Israeli government has been collaborating with German intelligence services to recruit refugees from various war-torn regions, including Afghanistan and Syria, promising generous salaries and expedited German citizenship to attract individuals willing to serve as mercenaries. Reports suggest that this initiative has successfully naturalized thousands of these recruits within a short span, thereby expanding Israel’s military capabilities through external manpower.
As Israel reinforces its military position in Gaza, the implications of employing private security firms will likely extend beyond immediate logistical concerns. The transformation of aid delivery mechanisms into militarized operations complicates the already delicate humanitarian landscape. Beyond the risks associated with the privatization of military duties, this strategy raises ethical questions regarding the role of mercenaries in conflict zones and their potential impact on the sovereignty and rights of impacted populations. These developments underscore a shifting paradigm in military engagement and humanitarian efforts, where private interests increasingly intersect with state functions, ultimately reshaping the landscape of both conflict and aid distribution in Gaza and beyond.