Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and ministers at the latest Security Cabinet meeting held an extended discussion on security arrangements ahead of the planned opening of the Rafah crossing.
During the meeting, Netanyahu and the military said Israel would receive in advance the names of all individuals seeking to enter Gaza through the crossing and that only pedestrian traffic would be permitted, not vehicles.
Ministers were told that anyone entering Gaza would be required to undergo security screening that includes metal detectors, facial recognition and scanning stations before being allowed through. The security measures will be stricter than those in place when the crossing was opened under the hostage release agreement reached in January last year.
Participants in the meeting said Shin Bet Director David Zini warned ministers of what he described as serious problems with smuggling and called for tightening security arrangements. Zini urged that the Israeli inspection point be moved closer to the crossing itself to prevent the unloading of equipment between the Rafah terminal and the Israeli checkpoint.
Zini also cautioned against what he described as a potential false display of Hamas disarmament. He said Hamas’ preferred scenario would resemble the Hezbollah model, in which it retains its weapons while operating under a civilian governing framework. Dismantling and destroying the tunnel network, he added, would take a long time.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich presented Netanyahu with polling data indicating that a majority of right-wing voters support the establishment of a military administration in Gaza, a move opposed by Netanyahu, the military and the United States, and one that runs counter to the plan put forward by U.S. President Donald Trump.
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Military Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir meeting with Shin Bet head David Zini
(Photo: Shin Bet)
Military Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir did not attend the meeting, but his deputy, Maj. Gen. Tamir Yadai, told ministers the military is preparing plans to disarm Hamas if the group does not relinquish its weapons by the end of a set deadline.
Regarding a pilot reconstruction plan in Rafah, Israel reached an understanding with the United States that for every area rehabilitated in the Tel al-Sultan neighborhood, the military would take control of and disarm an additional area, to uphold the principle that reconstruction will not proceed without disarmament.
The Security Cabinet convened on Sunday, shortly before the return to Israel of the last remaining hostage’s body held in Gaza.
Ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir, Bezalel Smotrich, Miri Regev and Orit Strook voiced opposition to opening the Rafah crossing. Despite assurances given in recent months, the Prime Minister’s Office said after the meeting: “Upon completion of the operation and in accordance with what was agreed with the United States, Israel will open the Rafah crossing.”
The Shin Bet said it does not comment on discussions held behind closed doors.