Israel has reportedly proposed a significant change to the security arrangements at the Rafah crossing, suggesting the deployment of private American security firms to oversee operations. This proposal, detailed in a report, surfaces amid persistent Israeli concerns regarding the reliability of both the Palestinian Authority and the European Union Border Assistance Mission.
The core of the Israeli proposal centers on ensuring complete loyalty and the capacity for rigorous inspections of goods entering the Gaza Strip. This stems from a perceived need for a security presence that can be fully trusted to prevent the entry of prohibited items.
Sources suggest that the proposal was presented to the United States as an alternative after Washington rejected the deployment of regular American troops within Gaza. One company reportedly under consideration is UG Solutions, previously involved in securing aid locations associated with the ‘Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.’ However, this option raises serious human rights concerns, given past incidents involving Palestinian fatalities at aid centers previously overseen by similar security entities.
The proposal seemingly contradicts the ‘Twenty-Point Plan’ previously advocated by former US President Donald Trump. That plan stipulated Palestinian Authority personnel managing the Gaza side of the crossing under European supervision. This divergence highlights potential political friction surrounding the future of the Rafah crossing and its management.
While COGAT, the Israeli unit responsible for coordinating activities in the Palestinian territories, denies direct involvement in discussions with private companies, they maintain that the crossing will be managed by “security-vetted local residents.” This stance suggests a continued emphasis on Israeli security control, regardless of the specific actors involved. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing negotiations and potential for further modifications to the proposed arrangements.
