Senior IDF Bedouin Battalion Commanders Suspected of Facilitating Massive Smuggling into Gaza

Senior commanders in the IDF's Bedouin Battalion are suspected of exploiting their positions along the Gaza border to facilitate the smuggling of goods worth approximately 200 million shekels into the Gaza Strip. The smuggling operation, documented exclusively by Channel 12's Amit Segal, involved two heavily loaded trucks crossing near the Kerem Shalom crossing late at night in November. Each truck carried goods valued at around 100 million shekels, including steel balls used for manufacturing explosives.

The deputy battalion commander (SamaGad) allegedly coordinated the operation, instructing troops not to delay the trucks under the pretext of a secret Shin Bet activity. Audio recordings captured the SamaGad ordering soldiers to move quickly and avoid interference. A suspicious soldier secretly recorded the event, despite being confronted by a company commander who demanded he stop filming.

So far, eight commanders and soldiers from the battalion have been arrested on suspicion of involvement in various smuggling incidents. The suspects are believed to have profited millions of shekels, while Hamas reportedly gained tens of millions from taxing the smuggled goods. The trucks successfully entered Gaza, and the investigation continues amid concerns that similar smuggling operations may still be ongoing.