Report: Netanyahu refuses to begin Gaza reconstruction steps, postpones them until after elections for political reasons
Benjamin Netanyahu has refused to begin steps for rebuilding the Gaza Strip and postponed them until after the elections for political reasons, according to a report cited by Al-Ittihad newspaper from Israeli sources. The postponement includes the 'New Rafah' project, training a Palestinian police force, and the work of the national committee for managing Gaza. Netanyahu's office denied that the delay is linked to the elections.
A report cited by Al-Ittihad newspaper from informed Israeli sources stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refuses to begin steps for rebuilding the Gaza Strip and postpones them until after the elections for political reasons. According to the report, Netanyahu decided to postpone preparations for the 'New Rafah' project to rebuild the city, delay the departure of Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt for police training, delay steps related to introducing an international force into the Strip, and postpone the work of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) headed by Dr. Ali Shaat. The sources suggest that Netanyahu believes implementing reconstruction arrangements could harm his political position. The report indicates that delaying the establishment of a police force contributes to the continued influence of Hamas. Netanyahu's office denied that the delay is linked to the elections, stating that Netanyahu will not allow reconstruction before the complete disarmament of Hamas.