Israeli journalist Avishai Grinzaig reports that eight soldiers across the entire chain of command of the Bedouin Reconnaissance Battalion are accused in separate cases of smuggling goods into Gaza, including cigarettes and even a motorcycle. The soldiers allegedly pocketed tens of millions of shekels collectively.
The report by Avishai Grinzaig details a widespread smuggling operation within the Bedouin Reconnaissance Battalion, an IDF unit. The allegations involve eight soldiers, from junior ranks to commanders, each accused in separate cases of smuggling goods into the Gaza Strip. The goods included cigarettes, with payments of 1,000 shekels per cigarette, and a full motorcycle. The soldiers are said to have collectively netted tens of millions of shekels. The development adds to a series of revelations about smuggling from Israel to Gaza. As The Zioneer has previously reported, Bedouin smuggling networks have been involved in drone smuggling (170 drones over 18 months) and a massive ring linked to a high-ranking Palestinian Authority figure's nephew. The current case marks the first time an entire IDF battalion chain of command has been implicated in such a scheme.
- StrongChannel 14 reports Iran-to-Gaza weapons smuggling route via Bedouin drones
- DevelopingReport: 170 drones smuggled from Israel into Gaza by Bedouin gangs over 18 months
- DevelopingBedouin reconnaissance battalion operates inside Gaza, Israeli military says
- DevelopingVideo shows smugglers moving weapons from Egypt into the Negev; Ayelet Lash calls for action
Source and signal
- Internal intake