Report: Israel Explores Joint Border Management With Egypt, Considers Rafah Crossing Relocation

By Yoni Weiss

Israel is in talks with Egypt to potentially relocate the Rafah Crossing to the convergence point of the Gaza, Israel, and Egypt borders, near the Kerem Shalom Crossing, according to a Channel 13 report.

The objective behind such a move is twofold: firstly, to involve Egypt in border management without conflicting over the issue, and secondly, to ensure that the crossing remains within Israel’s border, enabling Israeli security inspections.

This relocation would grant Israel access to the border, allowing for effective monitoring to prevent smuggling. However, it wouldn’t entirely address the broader issue of smuggling.

Discussions between Egypt and Israel are ongoing regarding the Philadelphi corridor, as per the report.

Army Radio reported on Thursday that negotiations on the Philadelphi Route are progressing, with an agreement in sight. While Israel is anticipated to exert “some influence” over the route’s control, it won’t maintain a regular physical presence. Instead, Israel will employ technological means to observe activities along the route.