Cabinet discusses Gaza blockade

Sunday's cabinet meeting revolved, among other things, around the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, and what the ministers referred to as the fenceless border between Gaza and Egypt.

Justice Minister Daniel Friedmann briefed the ministers about the emergency hearing held by the High Court regarding the Gaza situation, saying "I don't know where we fare better, in international forums or in the High Court." Friedmann further implied that some things should be left out of the courts' jurisdiction.

Defense Minister Ehud Barak briefed the cabinet on the situation in Rafah, saying Egypt "wants to close the border… we think it may take a little time; the defense establishment is stepping up its anti-terror activities."

Barak stressed that Israel intends to" keep the crossings into the Strip closed, while maintaining a close watch on the humanitarian situation."

Housing and Construction Minister Ze'ev Boim told the ministers Israel should try to "make the best out of the opportunity, meaning we have to take a closer look at the situation created there following what happened at Rafah (Crossing)… this may be the time to re-examine our border issues with Egypt.

"The Egyptians may have a better understanding of the problems we've been pointing out at the Rafah Crossing and the Philadelphi Route… we should try to work out a new kind of cooperation with the Egyptians along the international border," added Biom.

Environment Minister Gidon Ezra told the cabinet he believed "completely closing all the crossings is not possible," adding the crossings should be made available for "sustaining the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian population."

"Israel should review the Rafah incident carefully," said Industry, Trade and Labor Minister Eli Yishai. "Both we and the Egyptians have to preserve our interests, and our common interest is a peaceful Middle East."