Despite Bibi’s promise: The Palestinian Authority takes part in Rafah Crossing operations
Two days of PA involvement spark backlash, with Ben-Gvir accusing Netanyahu of backing down.


The Rafah crossing has resumed operations over the past two days, managed in cooperation with Palestinian Authority (PA) officials — contrary to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's promises, the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper reported Monday morning.
According to the report, representatives of the PA are managing the crossing in cooperation with a European force and Egyptian security officials. Israel does not have a presence at the crossing, but it is involved in approving those who cross it when they leave the Gaza Strip.
It was also reported that Fares a-Rifi was appointed to manage the police station that will be located at the Rafah crossing. He is a Fatah operative in Gaza who previously served as a police officer in the central Gaza Strip on behalf of the PA.
The PA has been preparing for the past month to take control of the crossing and has held meetings with officials in Egypt and Israel to that end.
The chairman of Otzma Yehudit, Knesset member Itamar Ben-Gvir, responded to the publication. "The Israeli government continues to violate the promises and principles it declared as part of the reckless deal. The Prime Minister has stressed countless times that he will not allow the authority to manage the crossing, and that this is a security risk, but unfortunately he is folding on this issue as well.
"The government allows the PA – the one that distributes salaries to terrorists – to control the gate of Gaza, how far will we go?" Ben-Gvir asked.