On Wednesday 3 September, the Hebrew newspaper Haaretz revealed the existence of an irregular Israeli group called “Uriah,” comprising settlers from the West Bank, which has been demolishing Palestinian homes in the Gaza Strip for about a year, under limited supervision by the Israeli army.

The newspaper explained that the group sends soldiers into tunnels and buildings that may contain explosives or armed men, and uses Palestinians as human shields, without it being clear to what extent it is subject to military command.

An independent Israeli force under the cover of the army

The “Uriah” force is linked to Bezalel Zani, brother of the head of the General Security Service, and uses heavy engineering equipment to destroy buildings as a small independent unit rather than an organized military framework.

Most of its members are recruited through construction companies and work to demolish houses and tunnels, endangering the lives of soldiers and Palestinians.

The force includes about 10-15 operators of engineering tools, and its latest activity was in Khan Yunis.

The newspaper quoted two officers as saying that the team members do not report their work to the battalion or brigade, and it is not known who supervises their movements, even though these procedures are supposed to be in place to ensure the safety of soldiers.

Recruitment from the far right for Uriah

Uriah members are recruited through social media groups, and some are active in the far right.

Army officers point out that a lack of experience and subordination to the military structure allows these teams to operate independently, increasing the risks on the ground.

Each member of these teams receives 6,000 shekels ($1,775) per day, making the work financially attractive in addition to ideological motivations.

The Israeli army responded that the force members are part of the reserve and operate engineering equipment, and that any claim that they are an irregular force is “false.”

Featured image via the Canary