Netanyahu and Defense Minister Clarify: Erez Crossing Will Not Reopen for Gaza Goods

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a joint statement on Thursday denying reports that the Erez Crossing would be reopened to transfer goods into the Gaza Strip. They emphasized that no directive has been given to open the crossing and that Israeli policy remains unchanged. The statement underscored two key conditions for Gaza's reconstruction: the disarmament of Hamas and the complete demilitarization of the Gaza Strip.

The clarification came amid recent tensions along the Gaza border, including the launch of incendiary balloons and drones from Gaza into Israeli border communities. Earlier this week, Netanyahu and Katz held a security briefing with IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and other senior officials, warning Hamas that continued attacks would prompt intensified targeted strikes and possible evacuations of affected Israeli areas. Netanyahu stressed that Israel will not revert to the situation prior to October 7.

The joint statement firmly rejected any change in policy, stating, "There is no directive to open the Erez Crossing for goods." They reiterated that reconstruction efforts will only proceed once Hamas is disarmed and Gaza is fully demilitarized.

This announcement follows an AP investigation revealing extensive smuggling of restricted goods into Gaza, including fuel, medicines, medical equipment, cell phones, and solar panels, despite Israeli controls. Israel has authorized a limited number of Gaza merchants to import goods through the Kerem Shalom Crossing, which remains the main commercial and aid entry point.

The ongoing debate over the flow of goods and Gaza's reconstruction continues amid security concerns and political complexities.