US Takes Control of Concrete Plants Sealing Gaza Tunnels Along Israel Border

In recent months, concrete plants were established near the Gaza border at Nahal Oz and Kerem Shalom, operated by contractors on behalf of Israel's Ministry of Defense. These plants were originally intended to seal tunnels detected by the IDF in Gaza's yellow line areas, aiming to expand tunnel sealing efforts with concrete. However, Doron Kadosh reported on Galei Tzahal that the plants are now being transferred under the responsibility of the American command in Kiryat Gat, which will fund and manage their operations. Contractors were informed by the Ministry of Defense that their employer will soon be the United States.

This shift marks an increasing US role in Gaza-related activities, raising questions about whether the plants, initially for tunnel sealing, might soon be repurposed for other uses such as reconstruction in Gaza. Neither Defense Minister Israel Katz's office nor the Ministry of Defense has responded to requests for comment.

Kadosh highlights that this development fits a broader pattern of Israel losing direct control over Gaza affairs, including the halt of targeted killings and attacks under political pressure, the approval of a multinational force entering Gaza, the green light for reconstruction work in Rafah, and now US control over concrete plants at the Gaza border. This sequence aligns with former US President Donald Trump's early promise to take control over Gaza, which critics initially dismissed but is now being realized in practice.