Israel Asked U.S. to Deploy Private Security Firms at Gaza-Egypt Border Crossing, Sources Say - Gaza News
Israel has asked the United States to deploy private American security firms in the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, two sources familiar with the matter told Haaretz.
A source familiar with aspects of the security cooperation between Israel and the United States said that both countries are discussing deploying private security guards in place of Palestinian Authority forces.
A diplomatic official confirmed that the idea had already been discussed in the past; however, it was eventually taken off the table, he said.
The Palestinian Authority force is planned to staff the Gaza side of the border, overseen by the European Union Border Assistance Mission, in accordance with U.S. President Donald Trump's 20-point plan.
The source familiar with aspects of the security cooperation said that Israeli officials wanted to have "Egyptians [on] one side and the United States in the middle, then Israelis on the other side, or whatnot."
However, after the United States adamantly refused to deploy U.S. forces in the Strip, both countries discussed the deployment of private American firms instead, the source said. One of the companies named as a potential partner to the initiative was UG Solutions, which secured aid sites run by the Israel- and U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an organization that operated from May until September.
According to United Nations data, more than 1,000 Palestinians were killed in their attempts to reach GHF humanitarian aid centers, which were located far from residential hubs. More than 1,000 additional people were killed by IDF fire during mass stampedes for UN aid trucks.
The IDF's Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories was involved in the talks, the source said, a claim that COGAT denied. According to the unit, when the crossing is opened, it will be operated by EUBAM alongside "local Gazan residents who were approved by the defense establishment," in accordance with the Israel-Hamas cease-fire deal.
The Prime Minister's Office has not yet responded to Haaretz's request for comment.
The source added that the discussions on the topic are still ongoing, with the outcome yet unknown.
The source said that Israel does not trust either EUBAM or the Palestinian Authority forces. According to him, if the Rafah border crossing is opened for the entry of humanitarian aid and goods, and not solely for people, Israel will want to ensure it can trust the forces responsible for screening the materials entering the Strip.
A European source said that EUBAM and Palestinian officials already have successful experience operating the Rafah border crossing and are best placed to continue doing so.
On Friday, Reuters reported that Israel intends to establish a military checkpoint inside Gaza near the Rafah crossing. Under the plan, all Palestinians entering or leaving the Strip would be required to pass through the site for Israeli security screenings.
Israeli defense officials told Haaretz in January that the screening of Gaza residents exiting the territory will be conducted remotely via a computerized system. By contrast, those seeking to enter Gaza will undergo physical inspections at an additional Israeli post established on the Gazan side of the border, in an area currently under IDF control.
At the Thursday session of the World Economic Forum, Ali Shaath, head of the U.S.-backed transitional Palestinian committee tasked with temporary administration in Gaza, announced that the Rafah crossing is set to reopen next week.
In response, Netanyahu is scheduled to convene the security cabinet on Sunday to discuss the move, alongside ongoing efforts to recover the remains of Ran Gvili, the last remaining hostage in Gaza.
The Board of Peace's High Representative, Nickolay Mladenov, signaled a breakthrough, posting on X that an agreement has been reached to prepare for the reopening of the Rafah crossing. Mladenov noted that the Board is coordinating with both Israel and the Palestinian Technocratic Committee to expedite the search for Gvili's remains.