The flood of critical articles in Israeli media about his meetings with Pollard, Smotrich, and Ben-Gvir, alongside criticism of his pre-appointment television commercials, seem to me not only unfair but completely wrong.

Huckabee is performing his duties with distinction at a time when Israel faces existential threats on seven fronts. Instead of criticizing him, the Israeli media and public should be "celebrating" the fact that the United States finally has an ambassador who understands Israel's situation from the depths of his heart and defends it without any apology or reservation.

Yes, the ambassador hosted Pollard at the embassy residence in July. Yes, the meeting was not pre-cleared with Washington and did not appear on the official schedule. And yes, many in the American national security establishment still view Pollard as a problematic figure. But anyone who has followed his career knows that Huckabee publicly supported Pollard's release long before it became politically "convenient," and when he met as ambassador with the man whose release he had so championed, it was an act of simple human decency.

The same logic applies to his meetings with the ministers. When five Western countries imposed personal sanctions on two democratically elected officials, Huckabee did not join the chorus of condemnation but instead invited them to discussions described as cordial - which even bore fruit on various issues, from coordinating security in settlements in Judea and Samaria to planning for emergency situations.

A Model of Integrity

The spectacle of America's ambassador praising a sleep supplement on television caused eye-rolling from Tel Aviv to Washington, but the facts are simple: the commercials were filmed before his appointment, contain no reference to his current title, and fully comply with the disclosure requirements of the U.S. Office of Government Ethics.

More importantly, they reveal something essential about the man: Mike Huckabee has never pretended to be a typical establishment figure. He is a former governor of a small state who supported his family through broadcasting and lectures, and he makes no apology for it.

In an era when many diplomats enrich themselves through shadowy consulting contracts or paid lectures from hostile governments, Huckabee's transparent contract with the dietary supplement company is a model of integrity. And perhaps most importantly: Huckabee has restored a sense of trust. When he says the U.S. "has Israel's back" - Israelis believe him, because they have watched him prove it for decades.

As an international lawyer who has spent 40 years traveling between Jerusalem and Washington, I have seen many ambassadors. Some were brilliant operators, others were close friends of Israel, but almost none combined deep policy expertise with genuine emotional commitment. Mike Huckabee does, and the Israeli press owes him and the alliance he represents an apology, as well as a resounding "thank you."

This is the time to be grateful that the man in the embassy is someone who prays daily for the peace of Jerusalem, refuses to equate victim with aggressor, and understands that the U.S.-Israel alliance is not a "favor" America grants Israel - it is a strategic and moral imperative for both nations.

Attorney Marc Zell is the Chairman of Republicans Overseas Israel and Vice President & General Counsel of Republicans Overseas Inc.

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Video: Pollard speaks on Tuesday / Credit: Kan Reshet Bet

In the interview with Kan Reshet Bet, Pollard explained that he realized the full scale of the national failure through his own life: "I assumed my abandonment and the betrayal of me was an exceptional incident on Israel's part. But on October 7, I realized I was no exception. I realized the entire country was abandoned and betrayed. At that point, I concluded that I must do something to the best of my ability to prevent such a tragedy."

He directly criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's conduct during, particularly regarding the conflict with Iran and the air force's turning back after the attack in Beersheba due to US pressure: "Throughout the war, Netanyahu should have stood firm against Trump when it comes to Israel's security interests."

Regarding the meeting with US Ambassador Mike Huckabee and the backlash he received, Pollard dismissed all claims of a secret meeting, insisting it contained no details indicating improper involvement: "There was nothing secret in the meeting." Later in the interview with Kan Reshet Bet, Pollard leveled harsh criticism at the American intelligence community: "The CIA serves as a tool of the Democratic Party. My advice is that its branch here at the American Embassy should be cleaned out, and people who reflect the president's agenda should be brought in."

Speaking about his time in American prison, Pollard made public the trauma he experienced behind bars : "I was raped in prison as revenge for my actions for Israel. I'm glad that some of the hostages are talking about it now ." He added, "It is necessary to understand the monsters we are dealing with."

Pollard, who is contemplating running in the upcoming elections, linked his political aspirations to what he witnessed as an Israeli citizen after October 7 : "I concluded that I must do something to the best of my ability to prevent such a tragedy."

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On his show on the OAN network, former Congressman Matt Gaetz launched a fierce attack, revisiting the details of Pollard's espionage case and describing it as one of the most damaging intelligence breaches in US history. Gaetz said Pollard "knowingly and for payment stole US intelligence for a foreign country," and that a meeting with him by a US ambassador crossed a clear red line.

Gaetz also aired Huckabee's response, in which the ambassador said the meeting was "no big deal" and "nothing secret," noting that Pollard "committed a terrible crime and served 35 years in prison." Huckabee explained that the meeting was personal, as Pollard wanted to thank him for his support of Pollard's late wife. Huckabee added sarcastically that he also meets with "dangerous individuals, like New York Times journalists."

Gaetz, who has consistently voiced anti-Israel and even antisemitic views, withdrew from Congress after being Trump's nominee for US attorney general. When it became clear he lacked the Senate support to be confirmed, he stepped aside and Pam Bondi was chosen instead.

But for key figures in MAGA, Huckabee's explanation did not suffice. On his show with commentator and activist Jack Posobiec, Bannon demanded Huckabee's removal. "Why isn't he already on a plane back to get reprimanded by the president and fired?" Bannon said. Posobiec compared the move to a formal meeting with fugitive leaker Edward Snowden, saying such a meeting "requires direct White House approval, if at all."

Jonathan Pollard is a former intel analyst who grievously betrayed the United States by selling secrets to Israel…so why did a sitting U.S. ambassador meet with him?@MattGaetz takes a deep dive into Pollard's past, his treasonous crimes, and the bizarre history that led to his… pic.twitter.com/aRlKr5uenM

— One America News (@OANN) November 22, 2025

They described the meeting as a "PR disaster" for the Trump administration at a time when the MAGA base is particularly sensitive to anything seen as elite privilege. According to them, for large segments of Generation Z and working-class Americans in the heartland, scandals like Epstein and now Pollard feed into a broader narrative of anger at establishment figures acting above the law. "People are furious," they said, and questioning why an "America First" ambassador would meet with someone they view as a traitor.

A deeper debate about US-Israel relations

Alongside the public calls for dismissal, the controversy has sparked a deeper conversation within MAGA about the nature of the US-Israel relationship. Gaetz argued that the meeting sends a troubling signal about "blurring red lines in order to appease Israel," while Bannon and Posobiec warned of damage to America's image of sovereignty and national pride.

When asked about the issue on Thursday, White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt said the White House "was not aware of the meeting in advance," but stressed that President Trump "stands by our ambassador, Mike Huckabee, and everything he's doing for the US and Israel."

However, for many vocal Trump supporters, the meeting with Pollard is more than a diplomatic misstep, as it symbolizes a deeper rupture within the "America First" worldview.

"A friendly meeting"

Huckabee met with Jonathan Pollard in July at the US Embassy in Jerusalem. Pollard served 30 years in a US prison after being convicted of spying for Israel. According to the New York Times, the meeting surprised both the White House and the CIA.

Pollard confirmed the meeting to Israel Hayom, saying it was the first time a US official had hosted him in an office since his release. "It was a friendly meeting," he said.

According to reports, the meeting was not listed on Huckabee's official schedule, and its very occurrence alarmed the CIA's station chief in Israel. Senior White House officials were caught off guard when they learned about it, and it remains unclear whether the State Department had approved it.

Pollard told Israel Hayom the meeting was strictly personal. "Mr. Huckabee was a true gentleman. During the years I was in prison, he tried to help on humanitarian grounds. In particular, he gave a lot of support to my late wife Esther, who had cancer for many years. I wanted to thank him personally. The meeting was entirely personal and deeply so. We didn't talk about politics or anything else," he said.

Pollard remains barred from returning to the US, so the meeting could only have taken place in Israel. According to Israel Hayom, it was held openly at the ambassador's office in Jerusalem, with embassy staff and others fully aware of it.

Israel Hayom Summit

Meanwhile, Israel Hayom will launch the Israel Hayom Summit on December 2 at the Hilton Midtown in New York. The event will be hosted by journalist Yoav Limor along with Israel Hayom reporters and commentators, and will feature Dr. Miriam Adelson and tech entrepreneur Yasmin Lukatz.

The gathering seeks to forge bridges of connection and trust linking Israel with Diaspora Jewry, businesses with the US administration, and classical Zionism with the emerging landscape of technology, economics, and global communications. The summit will spotlight the period's central questions – how to build the day after the war, what role the American Jewry plays in shaping Israel's future, and how to preserve mutual responsibility and shared values connecting the Jewish people across the ocean.

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Pollard confirmed the meeting to the newspaper and noted this was the first time an American official hosted him in an office since his release. "It was a friendly meeting," he was quoted as saying. It should be noted that after being released from prison, Pollard is prevented from returning to the US, so the meeting with Huckabee could only take place in Israel.

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Video: International Desk Director Binyamin Regional Council Passentin at the Taybeh church / Credit: Binyamin Regional Council

Israeli police released an official statement Tuesday confirming the findings after Israel Hayom published video documentation showing the church remained completely undamaged by a nearby fire. The police statement directly contradicted earlier reports that had circulated across various media outlets.

Israel Police stated: "Contrary to misleading reports, no damage was caused to the Church of Saint George in Taybeh. The fire was limited to an adjacent open area, not the holy site. Emergency services received reports from local residents, including both Israelis and one Palestinian caller. The District Commander has initiated a thorough investigation. If arson is confirmed, justice will be pursued regardless of race or background. Due process is based on facts, not headlines."

Ambassador Huckabee visited the location Saturday to assess the situation firsthand and express sadness over the incident. On Monday, the ambassador posted on X on Monday to clarify he did not assign blame to Jewish settlers: "Investigation reveals no damage to ancient church in Taybeh & investigation of origin of fire continues. I have NOT attributed the cause of fire to any person or group as we don't know for sure. The press has. I have said that regardless, it was crime & deserves consequences."

Contrary to misleading reports, no damage was caused to the Church of Saint George in Taybeh. The fire was limited to an adjacent open area, not the holy site. Emergency services received reports from local residents, including both Israelis and one Palestinian caller. The… pic.twitter.com/eFicgMPLQJ

— Israel Police (@israelpolice) July 21, 2025

The clarification came after widespread media coverage suggested potential involvement by Jewish settlers in what was initially reported as church arson. The video evidence published by Israel Hayom definitively showed the ancient religious site sustained no fire damage.

Contrary to the claims made by local Arabs in the area of Ramaalla, several investigations have found that no church was burned. Also it looks that the violence was in between the Arab community with no links to the Jews who are living in the area.
Actually the Jews are those… pic.twitter.com/KdQpSyZQRN

— Ariel Kahana אריאל כהנא (@arik3000) July 21, 2025

Police investigators continue examining the source of the fire that occurred in an open area adjacent to the church property.

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Video: US ambassador Mike Huckabee arrives at the courthouse on July 16, 2025 / Credit: Elinor Shirkani-Kofman

Speaking at the MUNI EXPO 2025 Local Government Center conference regarding Netanyahu's trial, Huckabee observed "This matter is highly sensitive. The President addressed what we perceived as fundamentally a witch hunt in America, and it's extremely challenging to perform the duties voters elected you for while constrained by legal proceedings that divert attention from your responsibilities."

I stopped by the trial of @IsraeliPM in Tel Aviv today. My conclusion? @realDonaldTrump is right…again. https://t.co/Y5wBHnmKkS pic.twitter.com/zgcmzvlf9u

— Ambassador Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) July 16, 2025

Huckabee elaborated, "The President comprehends the difficulty when during such an intense tenure you devote extensive time in courtrooms before biased judges. I believe the President isn't attempting to choose sides regarding Israeli affairs, yet he acknowledges from his personal experience how extraordinarily difficult it becomes to fulfill the role citizens elected you to perform. I plan to attend Netanyahu's trial proceedings today to observe, which promises to be quite fascinating."

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I have asked @Israel to aggressively investigate the murder of Saif Mussallet, an American citizen who was visiting family in Sinjil when he was beaten to death. There must be accountability for this criminal and terrorist act. Saif was just 20 yrs old.

— Ambassador Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) July 15, 2025

The ambassador's unusually forceful condemnation represents a striking departure from his typical pro-Israel rhetoric, according to The New York Times. "There must be accountability for this criminal and terrorist act," Huckabee declared in his statement, as reported by The New York Times.

The victim, Sayfollah Musallet, was a Florida resident who had traveled to visit family members in the region. Officials from the Palestinian Authority said that Mohammad Shalabi, 23, also perished in the Friday confrontations. Palestinian health authorities stated that Shalabi sustained gunshot wounds during the settler-Palestinian clashes, though the identity of the shooter remained unclear due to the presence of both armed settlers and Israeli military personnel at the scene, according to The New York Times.

Israeli military officials have declined to confirm or deny the reported fatalities, stating only that violent exchanges occurred between Palestinians and Israeli civilians near Sinjil. The circumstances surrounding Friday's deadly confrontation remain disputed. Israeli military sources claimed the violence began when Palestinians threw stones at Israeli civilians, resulting in minor injuries to two Israelis, according to The New York Times.

Trump selected Huckabee as his ambassador choice shortly after November's election.

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Fox News Digital reported that Huckabee characterized the timing as deeply problematic, stating: "It's incredibly inappropriate in the midst of a war that Israel is dealing with to go out and present something that I think increasingly Israelis are steadfast against."

The ambassador offered a provocative alternative to French involvement, explaining to Fox News Digital: "Oct. 7 changed a lot of things. If France is really so determined to see a Palestinian state, I have a suggestion for them – carve out a piece of the French Riviera and create a Palestinian state. They are welcome to do that, but they are not welcome to impose that kind of pressure on a sovereign nation. And I find it revolting that they think they have the right to do such a thing."

Regarding American participation, Huckabee emphasized to Fox News Digital: "I hope they will reconsider but the US will not participate. It simply will not be a part of such a ruse."

Fox News Digital learned that Huckabee addressed recently documented strains between the allied nations, noting potential policy disagreements between the Trump administration and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government while dismissing concerns about damaged bilateral relations.

According to Fox News Digital, the ambassador explained: "I don't think pro-Israel Americans need to be concerned that there's some rift between the United States and Israel. Are there sometimes differences of opinion on the next steps in the war in Gaza, getting the hostages home, or maybe to avoid an all-out war with Iran? Of course, that's natural."

Huckabee detailed the enduring nature of US-Israel cooperation to Fox News Digital, declaring: "But as far as the relationship between Israel and the US, that is not in any way at risk, nor is it in any way splintered or fractured. It's solid, it has to be. We don't have a choice. It's critically important that the United States maintains its partnership – and I use that word very deliberately – it's not a friendship, it's not an alliance, it's a partnership, which means we are yoked together in our intelligence sharing, military – so many ways in which our nations are linked inseparably."

Fox News Digital reported that during discussions about Washington-Tehran dialogue, the ambassador characterized the Islamic Republic as "one of the if not the greatest, threats to world peace," cautioning that it represents a severe and immediate existential danger not only to Israel, but also to multiple Gulf nations and ultimately to America.

"If France is really so determined to see a Palestinian state, I have a suggestion for them–carve out a piece of the French Riviera." https://t.co/OJUruJXXkd #FoxNews

— Ambassador Mike Huckabee (@USAmbIsrael) June 1, 2025

The ambassador revealed Iran's strategic thinking to Fox News Digital, explaining: "The Iranians have said Israel is the 'Little Satan,' but America is the 'Great Satan.' They've always treated Israel as the appetizer and the United States as the entrée." He added: "It's just important when people tell you over and over for 46 years they plan to kill you, you might want to start taking them seriously."

Despite these concerns, Fox News Digital learned that Huckabee maintained optimism regarding ongoing nuclear negotiations between the nations, hoping they would succeed and prevent military confrontation.

However, Huckabee warned Fox News Digital about the consequences of diplomatic failure, stating: "But when diplomacy fails, the soldiers show up."

The ambassador expressed skepticism about Iranian intentions to Fox News Digital, saying: "I find it hard to believe the Iranians, after all these years of pushing towards a nuclear device that is weaponized, would suddenly come to their senses and say we've changed. We don't want that anymore, but let's hope they do. But if they don't, the president has been incredibly clear that Iran is not going to have a nuclear weapon."

Fox News Digital reported that regarding Israel's continuing conflict against Hamas operatives in the Gaza Strip, Huckabee stressed that the violence could cease immediately if Hamas chooses appropriate action.

The ambassador told Fox News Digital: "All of us are hoping and praying that Hamas will finally give up all the hostages and release them, and then they will depart Gaza for good. If they do these two things, this is over." He continued: "It could have been over on Oct. 8, 2023; it should have been. What they did was unthinkable, horrific, heinous, uncivilized, savage behavior."

Fox News Digital learned that Huckabee emphasized President Donald Trump's consistent position that Hamas lacks any future in Gaza, stating: "They can't rule it, they can't stay."

The ambassador revealed Israeli proposals to Fox News Digital, explaining: "Israel has been clear that they are willing to put them on airplanes and fly them out in exile, they have a way out, but they don't have a way in. They have to go, and all hostages living and dead have to be returned."

Fox News Digital reported that Huckabee expressed hope for immediate resolution of the hostage situation.

During Thursday's conversation with Fox News Digital, he discussed the hostages personally, stating: "This pin that I wear on my lapel – one of the happiest days of my life will be when I can take this pin off and permanently put it away, never to wear it again, because that means all of the hostages have come home."

Fox News Digital also reported that Huckabee conveyed confidence about expanding the Abraham Accords, established during Trump's initial presidency, which normalized relations between Israel and four Arab nations: the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco.

While avoiding identification of specific countries considering participation, Huckabee informed Fox News Digital: "There are a number of nations that now realize that having enmity with Israel is meaningless." He elaborated: "It is a delicate path for some countries; they can't go faster than their people are willing to go and accept … but there is a great atmosphere and possibility that we will see some dramatic changes and big additions to the Abraham Accords."

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In a video statement delivered with the Old City of Jerusalem in the background and a tweet, Huckabee emphasized the deep historical ties and unwavering US support for its ally. This is probably the first-ever greeting by a US ambassador to Israel celebrating this occasion, as the US has not recognized Israeli sovereignty on eastern Jerusalem, although it did move its embassy to the city and recognized it as Israel's capital during the first term of President Donald Trump. 

Beginning this evening is Yom Yerushalayim - also known as Jerusalem Day. The United States is proud to join our close ally @Israel in celebrating the 58th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem. @POTUS reaffirmed the historic connection of the Jewish people to Jerusalem… pic.twitter.com/GqUXjOEe24

— Ambassador Mike Huckabee (@USAmbIsrael) May 25, 2025

"Greetings from Israel's eternal and undivided capital, the holy city of Jerusalem," Huckabee began his video. "Beginning this evening is Yom Yerushalayim, also known as Jerusalem Day."

In a corresponding tweet, Huckabee stated, "The United States is proud to join our close ally @Israel in celebrating the 58th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem."

Both his video and tweet highlighted the actions of Trump regarding Jerusalem. Huckabee, a devout Christian and the former governor of Arkansas, noted in his tweet that "@POTUS [referring to then-President Trump] reaffirmed the historic connection of the Jewish people to Jerusalem that goes back over 3,500 years when he had the moral clarity to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's eternal capital and then move the US Embassy to Jerusalem."

In his video, Huckabee elaborated on this, stating, "After 2,000 years of exile, yearning and praying toward Jerusalem, God fulfilled the prayer 'next year in Jerusalem' by restoring the eternal capital of the Jewish people under Israeli sovereignty." He credited President Trump with having the "moral clarity to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's eternal capital and then moving the US Embassy to Jerusalem."

The former governor, visibly wearing a yellow ribbon often used to symbolize support for hostages, directly addressed the current conflict. "On this Jerusalem Day, as thousands of Israeli soldiers are away from their families courageously fighting terrorists in Gaza, and 58 hostages are still being held captive in the dungeons of Gaza, I want the people of Israel to know that America stands with you."

He continued with a powerful affirmation of the US-Israel bond: "Your fight is our fight. Your enemies are our enemies. Israel's victory is our victory. And together we will prevail, and we will pray for the peace of Jerusalem."

Huckabee concluded his video message by wishing, "Happy Jerusalem Day." 

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The transition represents a fundamental change supported by advocates who characterize the initiative as an independent and neutral operation managed primarily by American contractors, The New York Times reported. Philip F. Reilly, a former senior CIA officer, leads the main security provider, while Jake Wood, a former US Marine, heads the fundraising organization and explained in an interview that the system would begin implementation shortly.

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee announced the arrangement in early May, stating it was "wholly inaccurate" to call it "an Israeli plan," according to The New York Times.

However, the investigation found the project originated as an Israeli concept, first proposed by Israeli officials during the war's opening weeks, with sources speaking anonymously to discuss the initiative more openly, The New York Times discovered.

The New York Times found that initial discussions of the plan's framework occurred in late 2023 during private gatherings of aligned officials, military officers and business figures with strong Israeli government connections.

The group adopted the name Mikveh Yisrael Forum, referencing the college where members convened in December 2023, with leading participants eventually embracing the concept of employing private contractors for Gaza food distribution while circumventing the United Nations, The New York Times reported. The forum's members spent 2024 building support among Israel's political leadership and select military commanders while developing the concept with foreign contractors, particularly Reilly.

The strategy aimed to diminish Hamas's Gaza control, prevent food from reaching terrorists' hands or black market channels, and bypass the United Nations, which Israeli officials distrust and have accused of anti-Israeli bias, with officials arguing their approach would relocate distribution from chaotic, lawless zones to areas under Israeli military oversight, according to The New York Times.

UN officials contested the proposal, asserting the plan would limit food aid to restricted Gaza areas and warning it could endanger civilians by compelling them to walk miles across Israeli military lines to access food, The New York Times reported. The UN additionally warns the system could enable an Israeli strategy to displace civilians from northern Gaza, since initial distribution locations would only operate in the south.

Reilly's organization, Safe Reach Solutions, along with other security firms would initially establish four distribution sites in southern Gaza areas under Israeli military control, Wood explained to The New York Times.

Wood's nonprofit, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, will fund the arrangement, which would progressively replace a UN-operated system where civilians collect food from hundreds of locations throughout Gaza, The New York Times found.

Wood, serving as the foundation's executive director, acknowledged to The New York Times that the system is "imperfect," but emphasized, "The reality is, any food that is getting into Gaza today is more food than got into Gaza yesterday."

He stated his foundation possessed "the necessary autonomy to operate independently," with no Israeli funding, citing his advocacy for northern distribution sites as evidence and declaring to The New York Times, "I would participate in no plan in any capacity if it was an extension of an I.D.F. plan or an Israeli government plan to forcibly dislocate people anywhere within Gaza."

The project's origins trace to the chaotic period following Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel, when hundreds of thousands of Israeli civilians rejoined the military as reservists, many reaching influential positions, The New York Times investigation revealed.

This process generated a substantial group of Israelis maintaining dual roles in military and civilian spheres, blurring boundaries between these worlds and fostering unexpected connections between career officers and influential part-time personnel, along with their business associates, according to The New York Times.

An informal network emerged among like-minded officials, officers, reservists and business figures who believed the Israeli military and government lacked a Gaza strategy and sought to develop one independently, sources told The New York Times.

The group included Yotam HaCohen, a strategic consultant who joined COGAT, the military department overseeing Gaza aid delivery; Liran Tancman, a well-connected tech investor who also joined COGAT; and Michael Eisenberg, an Israeli-American venture capitalist who remained outside military service, sources told The New York Times.

HaCohen subsequently became an assistant to Brigadier General Roman Goffman, a senior COGAT commander now serving as the prime minister's military adviser, The New York Times learned.

In December 2023, HaCohen, Tancman and Eisenberg helped lead a brainstorming session combining officials and influential civilians at the college near Tel Aviv, with members later convening at other venues, including Eisenberg's Jerusalem residence, according to people with knowledge of the meetings who spoke to The New York Times.

Eisenberg confirmed to The New York Times his participation in meetings about these concepts with Israeli officials and private individuals but stated, "it is hard to know exactly how this all emerged," noting the involvement of numerous people, including US officials. A representative for HaCohen's and Tancman's group declined to comment to The New York Times.

During these gatherings, participants discussed the difficulty of defeating Hamas through military force alone and explored methods to undermine Hamas's civilian control, including through aid distribution, sources familiar with the meetings told The New York Times.

Group members advanced the concept of distributing aid from Israeli military-occupied territory pockets beyond Hamas's reach, seeking to circumvent the United Nations while avoiding Israel assuming responsibility for Gaza's approximately two million residents, according to sources who spoke to The New York Times. Over time, they settled on private contractor-managed food distribution, the people familiar with the meetings said.

HaCohen proposed a version of the plan now being implemented in a journal published by the Israeli military last July, The New York Times reported.

"To meet the war's goals over the long term, Israel needs to develop tools that will pull the rug out from under the Hamas movement and not just (temporarily) dismantle the Hamas government," HaCohen wrote, according to The New York Times. "Pulling the rug out will come once Israel begins to work directly with the civilian population, manages the distribution of aid itself, and begins to take responsibility for building the 'day-after.'"

Expressing frustration that Israel was "at the mercy" of traditional aid agencies, HaCohen argued that "non-state contractor companies must be employed" to implement the plan, including private, non-Israeli contractors "in the areas of security, aid and services," The New York Times found. He noted developing these concepts while serving as General Goffman's assistant and thanked Tancman and the Mikveh Yisrael Forum for their assistance.

During this period, Israeli officials, including HaCohen and Tancman, began engaging with Reilly and promoting him to Israel's military and political leadership, sources familiar with the meetings told The New York Times.

While other private contractors offered their services, the former CIA officer gradually became Israel's preferred partner, according to sources who spoke to The New York Times.

In a brief interview with The New York Times, Reilly confirmed beginning Gaza aid discussions with Israeli civilians in early 2024 and meeting Eisenberg and Tancman later that year.

As a young CIA operative in the 1980s, Reilly helped train the Contras, right-wing groups fighting Nicaragua's Marxist government, according to a 2022 podcast interview referenced by The New York Times. Two decades later, he was among the first US agents landing in Afghanistan after the September 11 attacks, becoming the CIA station chief in Kabul before transitioning to private security work for organizations including Orbis, a Virginia-based consulting firm.

In this capacity, Reilly collaborated with Israeli military and intelligence officials to develop new Gaza food distribution models, according to an Orbis document obtained by The New York Times.

While working for Orbis in late 2024, Reilly contributed to a study outlining a detailed version of the plan to outsource food aid delivery to private companies and foundations, according to the document reviewed by The New York Times.

Last November, Reilly's representatives registered two entities in the United States, SRS and GHF, according to sources familiar with the move who spoke to The New York Times.

SRS began Gaza operations in January 2025, with Reilly as chief executive, and during a January-March ceasefire, the firm's contractors staffed a central Gaza checkpoint screening Palestinian vehicles for weapons, with SRS stating it maintained no Israeli shareholders or interests, The New York Times reported. The effort served as a small-scale trial for a future security model that could expand more broadly, according to sources who spoke to The New York Times.

Wood told The New York Times that SRS is now the primary security company selected to secure food distribution sites in southern Gaza, essentially implementing concepts articulated by HaCohen and Reilly.

Wood explained to The New York Times that the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation is a nonprofit organization that will employ SRS and raise funds for its operations.

The foundation currently operates at "arm's length" from SRS, Wood stated to The New York Times, though one lawyer, James H. Cundiff, registered both organizations in the United States, and until recently the two groups shared the same spokeswoman. Cundiff did not respond to The New York Times requests for comment.

At least two additional groups named the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation have been registered, one in the United States and another in Switzerland, with a spokesman for Wood's foundation telling The New York Times that the February Delaware establishment was his.

The financing source for the foundation's extensive aid operation remains unclear, as it aims to provide food for approximately one million people – roughly half of Gaza's population – and would involve approximately one thousand armed security guards, according to the Orbis document reviewed by The New York Times.

Wood told The New York Times that the foundation received modest seed funding from non-Israeli businessmen but declined to identify them or those who appointed him.

Subsequently, the foundation announced in a statement that a Western European country donated over $100 million for future operations but declined to name the country to The New York Times.

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