Israeli Security Forces Prepare to Reopen Erez Crossing Amid US Pressure Despite Official Denials

Israeli security agencies are preparing to reopen the Erez Crossing for the entry of goods, targeting a September 1 date, despite public denials from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz. The preparations include infrastructure work and approval of access routes for trucks and security arrangements by the Southern Command and the Crossings Authority. This development was first reported by N12 and confirmed by the Deputy Israeli Ambassador to the UN, who announced the reopening date at a UN Security Council meeting.

The move is reportedly driven by pressure from the United States and the Israeli Peace Council, with American officials stationed in Kirya Gat playing a significant role. A security discussion was held recently, revealing divided opinions within the Israeli defense establishment, including opposition from the heads of Military Intelligence and the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories. Despite this, preparations have continued.

An Israeli official confirmed that the issue was raised during a situation assessment with the IDF Chief of Staff but was not formally presented to Netanyahu or Katz, who ordered a halt to the preparations after learning about them through media reports. The reopening is part of a broader US-backed plan, known as the "20 Points" initiative by former President Donald Trump, aiming to advance a second phase of engagement in Gaza.

Israeli officials maintain that progress depends on the disarmament of Hamas and the demilitarization of Gaza, a stance reiterated by IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. The reopening of the Erez Crossing comes less than three years after the October 7 incident, marking a significant step in the complex dynamics of Israeli-Gaza relations under international scrutiny.