Israel weighing the use of private security contractors to protect aid shipments to Gaza, officials say
Israel is exploring the use of international private security contractors to protect humanitarian aid deliveries in Gaza, say one ex and two current U.S. officials.
Israel is exploring using international private security contractors to protect humanitarian aid deliveries in Gaza, according to one former and two current U.S. officials.
Israeli officials have broached the idea in recent weeks with senior officials from the Biden administration, which is shipping the components of a floating dock to Gaza so it can deliver aid by sea. Some U.S. officials are reluctant, however, to have American troops or security contractors on the ground in Gaza, the officials said, and are especially wary of having Americans provide armed security.
The officials said the Israeli government has approached several security companies already, but declined to specify which ones. The Israelis also brought up having other countries pay the hefty costs of the contractors, the officials said.
The Israeli government declined to comment.
The White House and the State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
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