Sources have revealed that the American company Foundation Future Industries is in talks with the Israeli military to provide advanced robotic systems for use in military operations inside Gaza tunnels.
The company, led by Mike LeBlanc, held several meetings with high-ranking Israeli officers in September, including field demonstrations of the combat robot ‘Phantom MK1’ inside Gaza’s tunnels.
These robots are designed to operate fully autonomously in complex environments, capable of detecting tripwires and dismantling explosives, aiming to reduce Israeli soldier casualties during tunnel incursions. There are also plans to potentially develop these robots for direct combat tasks against Palestinian resistance.
This project has sparked widespread ethical debates concerning the use of autonomous weapons systems that allow machines to make lethal decisions. Despite human rights criticisms, the company’s CEO defended the technology by stating it is comparable to guided missiles and does not violate ethical norms.
Politically, Eric Trump’s involvement as a shareholder raised concerns over conflicts of interest and political corruption, especially after the company secured over $70 million in US military contracts, including agreements with the Pentagon following his joining.
The company’s management denies any political influence in securing these deals, but some US political figures have described the relationship as an example of overt corruption. These developments occur amid ongoing hostilities against Gaza and increased reliance on advanced military technology in the region.