Report: Netanyahu Proposed Opening Rafah Crossing but Coalition Leaders Blocked It

Translation by SadaNews - In a political-security meeting held last night (Saturday) in preparation for his meeting with President Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu proposed opening the Rafah crossing in both directions, but he was forced to withdraw it due to the opposition of coalition leaders, according to Israeli officials familiar with the matter.

Channel 12 in Israel reported, according to SadaNews translation, "The failure to open the Rafah crossing in both directions is one of the reasons the White House believes that Israel is slowing down in implementing its commitments under the ceasefire agreement in Gaza."

An Israeli official stated that during the consultations held on Saturday evening before his departure to the United States, Netanyahu proposed opening the Rafah crossing in both directions to allow Palestinians who left the Gaza Strip to return to it.

The Israeli official noted that Netanyahu said this request came from the Americans who are demanding that Israel adhere to the agreement and are exerting pressure on it.

The Israeli official clarified that coalition leaders opposed opening the Rafah crossing in both directions until the body of the last hostage, Ron Guili, is returned.

The Israeli official said: "There was political pressure, and no decision was made to open the crossing."

Another Israeli official reported that ministers Ben Gvir and Smotrich led the opposition to this move.