Peters Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen U.S.-Israel Anti-Tunneling Efforts

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) introduced bipartisan legislation – the United States-Israel Anti-Tunnel Cooperation Act – with U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) to strengthen anti-tunneling activity in the Gaza strip. The legislation authorizes a $30 million increase in funding to expand Department of Defense (DoD) efforts, in collaboration with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), to detect, maneuver through, and destroy tunnels constructed by Hamas and other terrorist organizations under the Strip and near the Israeli border. As part of the DoD’s collaboration with the IDF, Israel shares its counter-tunnel technology with the DoD and Department of Homeland Security to combat growing threats at our borders, as well as similar threats faced on the Korean Peninsula and in multiple locations in the Middle East. 

“These tunnels continue to empower Hamas’ brutal attacks on Israeli soldiers and innocent civilians, and we must continue to stand with the Israeli people as they defend themselves,” said Senator Peters. “This funding would help scale up Israel’s defense against Hamas and advance development of anti-tunneling technology needed to combat growing threats around the world, including along our own borders.” 

Hamas utilizes subterranean passages under Gaza and near Israel’s border to attack and kidnap Israeli soldiers and citizens. Since Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, more than 1,500 new tunnel shafts have been built under hospitals, schools, and homes in Gaza. This massive terror infrastructure includes 350 to 450 miles of tunnels, with over 5,700 entrance points, allowing for further violence in the region. Hostages abducted by Hamas have been hidden and tortured in these tunnels, along with Hamas utilizing the tunnels for weapon storage and production, transportation, logistics and launching attacks. 

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