Private Security Contractors: A Viable Path for Gaza’s Future

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has raised pressing questions about the post-war recovery plan in the region. Negotiations involving Israel, the United States, Arab nations, and Hamas have been complicated, leading to continued impasse, particularly regarding the fate of the 55 hostages still held by Hamas.

Amidst these complexities, experts in foreign policy and security from Washington have proposed an innovative solution that revolves around the engagement of private security contractors (PSC). These contractors, with their substantial experience in the Middle East, may provide the necessary stability and effective pathway to aid the rebuilding efforts in Gaza. John Hannah, former national security advisor to Dick Cheney and current senior fellow at the Jewish Institute for National Security of America, emphasizes that engaging these contractors could begin with humanitarian assistance.

Understanding the Proposed Role of PSCs

In light of the tumult that followed Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, a consortium of experts from JINSA and the Vandenberg Coalition developed a report. This report outlines a strategic framework where the facilitation of humanitarian aid could significantly shift the security dynamics in Gaza.

Their plan initially mirrored the objectives of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a U.S. and Israeli-supported initiative launched last month to deliver aid to the Palestinian population. However, the strategy proposed by Hannah and his team went further, advocating for integrating PSCs not only as aid distributors but also as key players in the reconstruction of Gaza.

Hannah articulated that humanitarian aid serves as a universally agreeable objective across all major stakeholders involved—Israel, the United States, and pragmatic Arab states. While there are disagreements regarding the political future of Palestine, the critical need to assist suffering Palestinians transcends these divisions.

The Need for Change in Humanitarian Aid

The Israel Defense Forces have stressed the necessity to dismantle Hamas, especially after the unprecedented attack. However, Hannah and his colleagues argue that addressing the issue of humanitarian aid is pivotal. Historically, Hamas has manipulated aid supplies to consolidate power, fostering dependency among its supporters while punishing dissent.

Hannah pointed out the imperative for a solution focused on humanitarian initiatives. He noted the lack of credible parties in the region, suggesting that traditional avenues for delivering aid would not suffice. The group determined that employing PSCs could be the most viable option to lead these efforts.

Challenges and Progress in Implementing the Proposal

The proposal has undergone discussions with both the Biden and Netanyahu administrations, aiming to explore how this plan could materialize in Gaza. Retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Michael Barbero, who has a background in overseeing PSCs during the Iraq War, has briefed Israeli officials about the potential for implementing such a framework in Gaza.

Despite initial enthusiasm, momentum appeared to dwindle due to rising tensions between the Biden administration and Israeli leadership over humanitarian concerns and the alarming death toll among civilians in Gaza. Nevertheless, Hannah expressed hope that the groundwork laid during earlier discussions could still bear fruit.

The GHF and Its Complications

The GHF commenced operations by distributing over 16 million meals to Gazans, but the program witnessed chaotic beginnings. As starving Palestinians rushed towards aid sites, reports of violence emerged, raising concerns about the effectiveness and management of aid distribution.

While some claims of chaos may have been exaggerated by Hamas to undermine the GHF, the initiative has faced scrutiny regarding its transparency and operational integrity. The leadership within the GHF has changed multiple times, yet their stated goal remains to collaborate with prominent organizations like the United Nations to improve aid distribution across Gaza.

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee confirmed that private security contractors would safeguard GHF distribution centers, solidifying the role of PSCs in the aid process. Although the GHF operates independently from the U.S. government and does not rely on federal funding, challenges related to the governance and accountability of these operations remain.

Private Security Contractors: A Historical Perspective

The use of PSCs is not a novel concept; they have played significant roles in U.S. military operations and other international engagements in the Middle East. Nations including Saudi Arabia and the UAE have employed these contractors, granting them a level of acceptance within the region that other forces might struggle to achieve.

Hannah’s proposal expands the role of PSCs beyond initial humanitarian efforts. He envisions these contractors contributing to the reconstruction of Gaza, presenting a comprehensive approach that could unify international efforts to rebuild.

Strategic Partnerships for Effective Reconstruction

Hannah posits that Arab nations should spearhead the humanitarian efforts, contributing substantial resources and personnel while employing experienced PSCs to ensure safety and effectiveness. He advocates for a collaborative approach that engages regional actors and reintegrates local leadership into the reconstruction process. This strategy aims to foster goodwill among the population of Gaza, particularly among those seeking a change from Hamas rule.

Critical in this approach is the establishment of a local Palestinian security force that could gain credibility both among Gazans and with Israeli authorities. By nurturing a new generation of leadership, the long-term aim would be to establish a self-sustaining and peaceful governance structure within Gaza.

Charting a Course for the Future

Hannah believes the proposed model could serve as a pivotal next step toward securing stability in Gaza. He urges the U.S. government to actively engage Arab, European, and Israeli partners to facilitate this initiative. By fostering international cooperation, the goal is to create a sustainable environment that encourages all stakeholders to support the restoration of Gaza.

At this juncture, the White House has not issued any comments regarding the ongoing discussions surrounding this proposal. Yet, the involvement of PSCs and the focus on humanitarian aid might represent a pragmatic response to the fallout of the current conflict in Gaza, offering a hopeful vision for rebuilding and stabilization.