Erez Crossing Stance Unchanged
Netanyahu and Katz Deny Plans to Reopen Erez Crossing for Commercial Goods
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Key Points
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Outlets claimed the National Security Council approved a plan to reopen the Erez crossing for commercial goods with a September 1 deadline, but Netanyahu and Katz said there is no directive to open the crossing for goods.
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The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) reportedly said there are preparations to open the crossing on September 1, but final approval is still required.
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Hebrew-language media indicated the proposed reopening would be for commercial goods (not pedestrian traffic) and was framed as following pressure from the United States.
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"There is no instruction to open the Erez Crossing for goods."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz denied reports of plans to reopen the Erez Crossing for commercial goods, according to Times of Israel. Yahoo News reported that both officials stated there is no instruction to open the crossing, rejecting claims of a September 1 deadline.
The Erez Crossing, which closed after Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack, briefly reopened for aid in May 2024 before shutting again. Jerusalem Post reported that Netanyahu and Katz said no reconstruction will happen until Hamas is disarmed and Gaza is demilitarized.
Reports of September 1 Reopening Disputed
Hebrew-language media outlets reported that Israel's National Security Council approved a plan to reopen Erez for commercial goods with a September 1 deadline, according to JFeed. The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) reportedly said preparations were underway, but final approval was still required.
Netanyahu and Katz flatly rejected these reports. Times of Israel quoted Netanyahu saying there is no directive to open the crossing. Officials emphasized that Israel's Gaza policy has not changed and that the government remains firm on its conditions for reconstruction.
US Pressure Does Not Change Israeli Policy
Hebrew media suggested the proposed reopening followed pressure from the United States, Times of Israel reported. Netanyahu and Katz dismissed claims that external pressure would alter Israel's stance on Gaza operations or the Erez Crossing's status.
Conditions Remain Unchanged Since October 7
Israel's position has been consistent: no reconstruction in Gaza until Hamas is disarmed. Jerusalem Post reported that Netanyahu and Katz reiterated this requirement, stating that demilitarization must come before any reopening or aid expansion.
The Erez Crossing's brief reopening in May 2024 was temporary and limited to humanitarian aid. JFeed noted that Israel has since relied on alternative routes for humanitarian assistance, keeping the crossing closed to regular traffic.
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