Report: Netanyahu, Katz greenlight infrastructure work in eastern Rafah

Infrastructure Under Security Oversight

According to a report by Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) journalists Moriah Asraf and Doron Kadosh, the project involves Palestinian contractors who must undergo rigorous security vetting by the Shin Bet. The work is concentrated in the eastern sector of Rafah, which has been integrated into the IDF's operational "yellow line"—a zone where the military maintains a permanent footprint to manage civilian movement and prevent the resurgence of terror infrastructure.

Strategic and Political Constraints

While the approval marks a shift toward civilian rehabilitation, the political echelon has imposed significant limitations. Sources indicate that the entry of caravans or portable structures has not been authorized and is unlikely to be approved until after the November 2026 elections. This restriction effectively caps the scope of the rehabilitation, preventing the establishment of permanent or semi-permanent residential hubs in the immediate term.

Security Context and Hamas

The move comes as Israel continues to balance civilian management with the ongoing threat from Hamas. As The Zioneer previously reported, the "Green City" concept in Rafah was designed to create secure civilian zones while maintaining military pressure. However, the current report notes that these infrastructure works are beginning even as Hamas has not been fully disarmed, highlighting the complexity of stabilizing areas under IDF control while the terror group attempts to rehabilitate its own capabilities.