Israel’s defense establishment is expressing deep frustration and concern over a significant security lapse involving a U.S. defense contractor operating alongside Egyptian forces in the Gaza Strip. The failure to secure the critical Netzarim Corridor—intended as a strategic buffer following an IDF withdrawal—has allowed the unchecked movement of Hamas terrorists, dealing a serious blow to regional stability and Israeli national security.
According to military sources, approximately 20,000 registered Hamas militants moved freely from southern to northern Gaza under the watch of American-operated checkpoints. These crossings, part of a controversial arrangement between the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, were meant to control traffic, prevent terror regrouping, and maintain the fragile terms of the ceasefire. Instead, they became revolving doors for Hamas operatives to reposition and reinforce in the north—violating the spirit and security framework of the ceasefire.
The Netzarim Corridor, which bisects Gaza from east to west, was established by Israel as a vital counter-terrorism belt during Operation Iron Swords and later during Operation Might and Sword. It provided Israel with a secure line of separation to fragment Hamas’ territorial control. However, when Israeli forces temporarily withdrew under the terms of the hostage release deals, foreign monitors—primarily U.S.-funded contractors and Egyptian personnel—were tasked with maintaining order and verifying crossings.
According to multiple Israeli military officials, the outcome has been disastrous.
Israeli intelligence now confirms that many of the militants who crossed north were previously identified as mid-level and senior operatives within Hamas’ Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades. Some of them are believed to have played roles in coordinating post-ceasefire attacks and regrouping underground cells.
This blunder has reignited debates within the Israeli War Cabinet about the role of foreign actors in Gaza and the feasibility of relying on external forces to secure strategic zones. The IDF, backed by Shin Bet and Mossad, is now advocating for full Israeli military control or tight operational oversight of any future buffer zones or crossing points.
The security failure is also intensifying tensions with the United States. While the Trump administration has been steadfast in its support for Israel’s military campaign and has delivered billions in aid and weapons since January 2025, this incident has exposed critical weaknesses in the execution of American security contracts abroad.
In response, the IDF has already resumed surveillance drone flights over the corridor and is reportedly preparing contingency plans for a re-deployment of troops if the situation escalates further.
This security lapse underscores a fundamental truth that Israel has long warned the international community about: Hamas cannot be contained by goodwill, ceasefire documents, or outsourced checkpoints. Only decisive Israeli control can prevent the terror infrastructure from resurrecting itself.
As Israel continues its campaign to dismantle Hamas and secure the full release of hostages still held in Gaza’s tunnels, it is clear that the era of compromise security arrangements must come to an end. The IDF will do whatever it takes to protect Israeli lives—and that means keeping critical zones like the Netzarim Corridor under direct, uncompromised Israeli command.
