Israeli Prosecutors Indict Two Men Over Drone Smuggling Into Gaza

Israel’s State Prosecutor filed an indictment in Beersheba District Court against Hani Hamidi, 38, and Marwan Ahmidi, 24, over allegations that they used drones to smuggle drugs and cigarettes into the Gaza Strip. Prosecutors said the drones could be used for terrorist activity, and linked the case to a wider pattern of drone crossings from Israel into Gaza that began in December 2024.

According to the indictment, more than 170 drone crossings from Israel into the Strip were identified during that period, with no drones seen returning to Israeli territory. The prosecution said such drones could reach terrorist operatives and be used for operational, intelligence and attack purposes, as Hamas has done during the war.

The indictment says that in May, the two defendants conspired with others to export drugs and cigarettes into Gaza by drone. Late at night, together with two additional suspects, they arrived at an open area near Kibbutz Reim carrying two drones. Each drone was loaded with about 6 kilograms of cannabis or hashish, along with cartons of cigarettes. The drones were flown toward Gaza, one reaching its destination inside the Strip and the other being struck by the IDF after landing there.

After the smuggling attempt, the suspects tried to flee police waiting near the Golani Junction. They made a U-turn and attempted to escape until their car was blocked and they were arrested. Another off-road vehicle involved in the case broke through the roadblock and escaped despite a police chase. A search of the car found a drone controller, drone parts, and night-vision equipment that had been stolen from the IDF in 2023. Prosecutors also asked for detention, saying the acts were committed while a ceasefire is in place but IDF forces are still operating in Gaza, and that the defendants knew Hamas controls the Strip. The charges include providing means for a terror act, exporting a dangerous drug, possession of a dangerous drug not for personal use, obstructing a police officer, and possession of suspected stolen property.