N12 Exposure: Security establishment preparations for the opening of Erez Crossing - new details

The security establishment is preparing for the reopening of Erez Crossing for the entry of goods. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz denied the move and ordered a halt to all preparations. However, Israel's Deputy Ambassador to the UN declared yesterday at the Security Council that the crossing is set to open on September 1st.

Southern Command and the Crossings Authority have already begun infrastructure work on the ground. Approvals were granted for truck transit routes and the deployment of security forces to protect these convoys. A security source explained to N12 that the push for opening Erez Crossing came not only from the Peace Council but also from the Americans, including those stationed at the headquarters in Kiryat Gat.

The issue was raised today during a situation assessment with the Chief of Staff. A senior official confirmed that the matter had not been brought to the attention of the Prime Minister or the Defense Minister; upon learning of it through the N12 report, they issued instructions to stop all preparations. The head of Aman and the COGAT reportedly opposed the move.

According to a security source, the demand to open the crossing originated from the U.S. several months ago as part of the implementation of the 20-point plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Israel continues to demand the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip as a condition for progress. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir reiterated this stance this week:

"In Gaza, we are not giving up on the supreme goal — demilitarization of the Strip and dismantling Hamas from its weapons."