A unique pilot project is underway in the Netzarim corridor. Yesterday (Wednesday) a force of 96 personnel from the American security company AG Solutions – a subcontractor of Orbis – began deploying in the area, in order to operate a vehicle inspection checkpoint. According to a report in Makor Rishon, the operation is set to last 42 days and is aimed at the prevention of weapons smuggling. The Netzarim Corridor is a security zone the IDF set up in the Gaza Strip at the start of the war, and considers essential for their presence in Gaza. Approximately 1.2 miles (1.9 km) of the road existed prior to the Israel–Hamas war, with Israel then clearing a path through the entire width of the strip.
International Cooperation to Enable Hostage Deal
The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed the details of the deal, under which the security company was selected by international mediators in coordination with Israel. A statement from the office noted: “According to the terms of the agreement, and in order to facilitate the release of the hostages, Israel is working in synchronization with the international community. The company, chosen by the mediators and in coordination with Israel, will manage a vehicle inspection checkpoint on the Netzarim route to prevent weapons from being smuggled northward.”
On the seventh day of the operation, new inspection management protocols by the company will come into effect The security personnel will carry IDF-issued weapons.
עוד באותו הנושא
- IDF Chief of Staff Avows: “After the Ceasefire, Hamas Will Be Reminded of Exactly Who We Are”
- Three More Hostages Finally Liberated From Hamas Captivity as First Phase Continues
- “I Believe in Your Strength”: Former Hostage Sends Video Message to President Trump
- Three More Israeli Hostages to Be Freed on Shabbat After 498 Days in Captivity
U.S. Middle East Envoy is Set to Arrive in the Region
As part of the deal – which marks a significant step in the normalization process – U.S. President Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, is expected to visit Gaza soon. As reported yesterday, Witkoff emphasized that the primary challenge lies in implementing the ceasefire agreement, and stated: “I will come to Israel soon to be part of the monitoring team in the Netzarim corridor, ensuring that armed individuals do not cross northward.”
Additionally, Witkoff explained that the successful implementation of the agreement would enable the next phase of the deal, which includes the return of numerous bodies of tragically murdered hostages. According to him, “Implementing the ceasefire agreement will likely be more challenging than the finalizing of the deal itself.”