According to a Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) report by journalists Moriah Asraf and Doron Kadosh, Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz approved two weeks ago, without public announcement, the start of infrastructure rehabilitation work in eastern Rafah ("Green Rafah"). The project, within the IDF-controlled yellow line, includes earthworks, electricity, water, and sewage, to be carried out by Palestinian contractors undergoing Shin Bet security vetting. The political echelon has not authorized the entry of caravans or portable structures until after the November 2026 elections, limiting the scope of rehabilitation.
This morning's Galei Tzahal report reveals that the political echelon has given the green light for the first time to begin infrastructure rehabilitation in eastern Rafah, an area designated as 'Green Rafah' within the IDF-controlled yellow line. According to the report, the decision was made approximately two weeks ago, alongside the approval to bring the multinational force into Gaza, but was not publicly disclosed until now.
The infrastructure work—earthworks, electricity, water, and sewage—is intended to allow Palestinian contractors and workers, who are currently undergoing Shin Bet security vetting, to enter the area and begin construction. The area is described as fully cleared and flattened, currently empty.
However, the political echelon has not authorized the entry of caravans and portable structures until after the November 2026 elections, limiting the scope of the rehabilitation for now. This marks a significant policy move, as it is the first approval of reconstruction work in Gaza since the war began, even as Hamas has not disarmed.
As The Zioneer has reported in recent weeks, the US-led 'Green City' project in Rafah was part of a broader plan for civilian zones under international oversight, with screening centers for displaced Palestinians. The newly revealed decision appears to be the operational phase of that concept, though the timeline remains limited.
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