Egypt presses to reopen Rafah crossing, IDF warns of return to Oct 7

A security source tells Walla that Egypt is pressing to reopen the Rafah crossing for the transfer of goods without Israeli inspection, but Israel firmly refuses and insists on the Kerem Shalom crossing only. The source cites a key lesson from Oct 7 regarding smuggling into the Strip, and warns of American attempts to bend Israeli policy within Trump's peace plan.

A security source tells Walla that Egypt is pressing Israel to reopen the Rafah crossing for the transfer of goods without Israeli inspection, but Israel firmly refuses. According to the source, "the security establishment and the political echelon present a unified stance before the Americans and the peace envoy Nikolay Mladenov - not to allow entry of goods except through the Kerem Shalom crossing. There are no compromises on this issue." The source stressed that one of the key lessons from Oct 7 is the issue of smuggling into the Gaza Strip, and that the IDF and Shin Bet are making a huge effort to thwart smuggling attempts of dual-use materials, military equipment, and ammunition. He noted that new methods are being discovered, including attempts via land, sea, and drones. It was also reported that in the past, Egypt enjoyed a taxation system on goods entering and leaving Gaza, which generated millions of dollars a month, but since the closure of Rafah and the diversion of goods to Kerem Shalom, its revenues have plummeted. The source expressed concern that the Americans will try to bend Israeli policy within Trump's peace plan.