Israel fears of US pressure to open the Rafah crossing and the withdrawal of the army behind the yellow line area
Israel’s Channel 13 quoted high-ranking officials as saying that there is growing concern in Israeli political and security circles about the possibility of US President Donald Trump asking Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to fully open the Rafah land crossing in both directions, which could radically change the current security situation on the southern border of the Gaza Strip.
The Israeli officials explained that Israeli estimates also indicate that there is concern about a firm American request for the withdrawal of the Israeli army from additional areas located behind the so-called Yellow Line, which puts the Israeli government in front of complex field and political challenges related to the size of the military presence in the Gaza Strip during the next stage, in light of the new US administration’s quest to impose a different political reality that ends the outstanding files in the region.
The leaks highlight a possible divergence of views between Tel Aviv and Washington on post-war arrangements, with Israeli officials fearing that these sudden demands could undermine Netanyahu’s previously drawn red lines on security control of strategic corridors and buffer zones in the Gaza Strip.
