US Firm Comprising Special Forces Veterans to Oversee Rafah Border Crossing
Biden Administration's Stance on Rafah Invasion
Despite the Biden administration's public warnings to Israeli leadership against a full-scale Rafah invasion, it has been revealed that President Biden has given the go-ahead for the IDF's takeover of the Rafah border crossing. This revelation, reported by Axios, comes amidst questions about whether Netanyahu has crossed Biden's "red line" on Rafah. The report maintains that Israel hasn't crossed this line, provided the operation remains limited and doesn't result in mass civilian displacement or humanitarian disaster. A senior Israeli official has quoted Biden as not objecting to the capture of the Rafah crossing during a phone call with Netanyahu. The IDF has so far concentrated on airstrikes and limited ground incursions in the city's east, after dropping thousands of leaflets instructing civilians to leave the area.
US Administration's Message to Israel
However, in an unprecedented move, the US administration has withheld ammo and bomb shipments to Israel to send a clear 'message'. A report by Israeli Haaretz issued on Tuesday has further revealed a certain level of cooperation and coordination with Washington on an IDF tank unit's takeover of Rafah crossing. This was reportedly to ensure that no weapons for Hamas can pass into the Strip via the large crossing.
Private American Security Firm to Control Rafah Crossing
The US, Israel, and Egypt have agreed that a private American security firm will take control of Rafah Crossing and oversee it. As of Wednesday, the IDF has announced it reopened the crossing, and it is retaining full control for now. The agreement stipulates that a private American security company will assume management of the crossing after the IDF concludes its operation. Israel has also pledged not to damage the crossing's facilities to ensure its continuous operation. However, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said on Wednesday that he is not aware of Israel agreeing to transfer control of the crossing.
Israel's Leverage in Negotiations
This move is also intended to exert leverage in negotiations. According to Haaretz, Israel believes that Hamas' loss of control over the Rafah crossing would be a significant setback for the group. It would not be able to collect taxes imposed on trucks and goods and will no longer be able to bring in weapons and other items banned from entering Gaza.
Details on the US Defense Firm
Haaretz has revealed limited details on the US defense firm in question and has not named it. It employs elite former US military personnel such as ex-special forces operators. As part of Israel's efforts to win agreement for a Rafah operation, negotiations have been underway with a private company in the U.S. that specializes in assisting armies and governments around the world engaged in military conflicts. The company has operated in several African and Middle Eastern countries, guarding strategic sites like oil fields, airports, army bases, and sensitive border crossings. It employs veterans of elite U.S. Army units.
Implications of the Agreement
Under the understandings between the three countries, when Israel has completed its limited operation in the border crossing area, the U.S. company will take responsibility for operating the facility. That includes monitoring goods arriving in the Gaza Strip from Egypt and preventing Hamas from re-establishing control of the crossing. According to the agreement, Israel and the U.S. will assist the company as necessary. If the report is accurate, it would mean American military contractors would be put in harm's way, and that US elite veterans could eventually enter a firefight with Palestinian militants.
Official Confirmation Pending
There has yet to be any official government confirmation of the US contractor plan for Rafah crossing from either Washington or Tel Aviv, and time will tell if such a controversial plan comes to fruition. If it happens, this means American military contractors would be active in two major hot conflicts: Ukraine and Gaza (not to mention in eastern Syria and Iraq as well).
Final Thoughts
This situation raises several questions about the role of private military contractors in global conflicts and the potential risks they face. What are your thoughts on this development? Please share this article with your friends and let us know your views. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is everyday at 6pm.
