Netanyahu and Defense Minister Approve Infrastructure Work in Gaza's Rafah Area

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have quietly approved infrastructure work in the eastern Rafah area of Gaza, known as "Green Rafah," about two weeks ago. This area lies within the Israeli-controlled "yellow line" after being cleared of terror infrastructure by the IDF. The approved work includes earthworks, electricity, water, and sewage systems as part of a plan to establish a residential complex for Palestinians outside Hamas control and under multinational force supervision.

According to security sources, the contractors and workers for these projects will be Gazan Palestinians undergoing security screening by the Shin Bet. Once cleared, they are expected to begin work within a few weeks, although no approval has been given yet for bringing in caravans or portable buildings, which will remain prohibited until at least November 2026.

The Prime Minister's Office rejected the report, calling it a distortion and recycling of old information. They clarified that this is a pilot project initiated by the United Arab Emirates several months ago, located deep in the Gaza Strip near the Israeli-controlled line, aimed at creating a tent complex free from Hamas control. The IDF has already cleared the area of terror infrastructure, including tunnel destruction, and will supervise the electricity, sewage, and water work rather than Gazan contractors.

The Prime Minister's Office emphasized that the official policy remains unchanged: "No rehabilitation without disarmament," noting that Hamas has not yet begun to disarm. This development reflects a cautious approach to infrastructure rehabilitation in Gaza amid ongoing security concerns.