Could Robots Replace Soldiers in Gaza? Eric Trump-Backed Firm’s 1,000-Robot Pitch Disputed

Israel could eventually use humanoid robots to enter Hamas' underground tunnels in Gaza, potentially allowing machines to take on dangerous missions traditionally performed by soldiers.

The Financial Times reported that an American robotics company backed by Eric Trump had discussed supplying up to 1,000 of its Phantom MK1 machines to the Israeli military.

However, the company has since disputed the account, saying it had no official discussions or supply negotiations with the IDF.

Foundation Future Industries is proposing the humanoid robots for tasks such as detecting tripwires and neutralising booby traps, potentially reducing the risks faced by troops entering dangerous underground environments.

The company's co-founder and president, Mike LeBlanc, told the Financial Times that he had held preliminary discussions with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). However, Foundation subsequently issued a stronger denial, saying it was not working with the IDF, had no contract or agreement with the Israeli military and was not negotiating a supply arrangement.

It described any conversations mentioned in the report as early and exploratory, adding that there had been no discussions with the IDF in an official capacity.

Humanoid Robots Could Enter Hamas Tunnels

LeBlanc, a former US Marine, said he met Israeli military officials in September and visited tunnels alongside a Phantom MK1 robot.

'We're in direct talks with the chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces,' he told the Financial Times.

Beyond reconnaissance and explosive detection, Foundation is also considering combat applications for its humanoid technology. LeBlanc has suggested that robots could eventually undertake dangerous missions such as opening doors in buildings where soldiers might encounter armed opponents.

The company has already sent two Phantom MK1 units to Ukraine for testing, with the machines reportedly evaluated for reconnaissance and logistical tasks, including resupply in dangerous areas. However, these trials do not demonstrate that the robots are ready to navigate Gaza's tunnels or independently engage enemy combatants.

The Phantom MK1 reportedly costs around $150,000 (£115,000) per unit, according to The Telegraph. However, no price has been confirmed for a potential Israeli supply arrangement, and there is no confirmed order for the 1,000 machines.

Foundation has also said that no robots have been supplied or deployed to the Israeli military. Its denial directly contrasts with LeBlanc's account of discussions with IDF officials, leaving the status of any potential arrangement unclear.

Eric Trump's Investment Raises Questions

The proposal has also attracted attention because of Foundation's connections to the Trump family.

Eric Trump, the son of US President Donald Trump, is an early investor in the company, holds an equity stake and became its chief strategic adviser in March.

LeBlanc said Foundation and a company it acquired had received more than $70 million (£53 million) in US military contracts and funding. The figure was reported as LeBlanc's claim and has not been independently verified.

Foundation's US military business has also attracted criticism from Democratic lawmakers. Senator Elizabeth Warren questioned a separate $24 million (£18 million) Pentagon contract awarded to the company, writing:

'Is the Pentagon just a cash machine for Trump's kids now? This looks like corruption in plain sight.'

The criticism concerned the US military contract, rather than the reported discussions about supplying robots to Israel. The contract was awarded after Eric Trump joined Foundation, although the timing alone does not establish that his involvement influenced the award.

LeBlanc denied that Eric Trump's involvement helped the company secure government contracts. A spokesperson for the president's son also said he had no involvement in Foundation's management, operations, strategic decisions or commercial activities, including government contract negotiations.

Could Humanoid Robots Become Autonomous Weapons?

The prospect of robots eventually undertaking combat missions raises questions about how much autonomy military machines should be allowed to exercise. While robots could potentially protect soldiers from dangerous situations, using them in combat introduces concerns about accountability, reliability and human control over lethal decisions.

It is important to distinguish between autonomous navigation, AI-assisted threat detection and independently selecting and attacking targets. Foundation's ambitions do not establish that the Phantom MK1 can currently make lethal decisions without human intervention.

The company has said it intends to follow US military protocols requiring human authorisation before automated systems use force.

The technology also faces practical challenges. In a June 2026 assessment, the BBC reported that the first-generation Phantom MK1 it was shown had no internal battery, was neither dustproof nor waterproof and could not get back up after falling. Its hands also lacked the strength and dexterity needed for more demanding tasks. These observations concerned the MK1 model shown to the BBC, rather than establishing the capabilities of any later version.

For now, there is no confirmed Israeli purchase or deployment of Phantom robots, and Foundation says it is not negotiating an official supply arrangement with the IDF.

Whether humanoid robots can eventually perform complex military missions reliably remains an open question, but the reported discussions and the company's broader ambitions illustrate how the technology could reshape the relationship between soldiers and machines on future battlefields.