Court places broad gag order on new ‘security affair’ investigating smuggling to Hamas via Israel

An Israeli court revealed the existence of a large-scale investigation into an operation to smuggle items from Israel into the Gaza Strip by placing a comprehensive gag order on the investigation on Monday, after rumors had emerged in recent days.

The Ashkelon Magistrate’s Court permitted media outlets to report that “At this time, a multi-party case involving the smuggling of goods into Gaza is under investigation.”

The announcement comes as the security system is already investigating several high-profile security affairs, including the “Bild” and Qatargate cases. In addition, recent reports and government action have highlighted the ongoing phenomenon of weapon smuggling via drones in southern Israel, including into Gaza.

The new case is being investigated by the Southern District Police and the domestic intelligence agency Shin Bet, which is responsible for the Gaza Strip.

The gag order on the case, which Army Radio’s military correspondent described as another “security affair shaking the defense establishment,” will remain in place until Feb. 10.

On Monday, Ynet News cited Israeli security officials who warned that “thousands” of different items have been smuggled into the Gaza Strip over the past year, despite the enclave being fully encircled by the Israeli forces.

Most of the smuggled items are transported via “questionable” routes with the involvement of Israeli smugglers, and some are even transferred directly into the hands of Hamas operatives, the report said.

Hamas is reportedly rebuilding its military capabilities via equipment smuggled by drones, often from Egypt to Israel and then to Gaza, as well as items hidden in the supply truck that Israel allows to cross into Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing as part of the ceasefire agreement.

Ynet noted that, despite Israeli security checks, the massive amount of trucks passing through the crossing makes it likely that smuggled items are being transported to Gaza, which even IDF officials acknowledged.

Some 4,200 trucks ostensibly carrying humanitarian aid are meant to undergo full scanning and inspections at the border crossings.

Smuggled items reportedly don’t just contribute to the military rebuilding process but also provide Hamas with the necessary funding. For example, smuggled tobacco is being resold at high prices.

Other types of items can serve dual-use purposes. For example, batteries are officially approved for entry as part of aid, but Hamas often tries to steal them. The terror group also smuggles batteries to provide electricity for its tunnels and underground command centers.

The reopening of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, which the Israeli Cabinet approved under heavy U.S. pressure and is expected this week, drew strong criticism from some of the hawkish coalition members, as the crossing could provide Hamas with additional smuggling routes.

“We have done major things, like killing tens of thousands of terrorists, but we still haven’t completely destroyed Hamas, and we must dismantle and disarm it. Enough with the naivety of Kushner and Witkoff – if the Rafah Crossing is opened, it will be a major mistake and a very bad message,” said National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, according to Israeli media citing quotes from the closed-doors cabinet meeting.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich reportedly warned, “If we do not control the area through military rule, the result will be a Palestinian state.”