Israel's Security Cabinet to weigh Gaza reconstruction plan, Rafah pilot

Israel's Security Cabinet is set to convene to discuss a new proposal for Gaza drafted by the Board of Peace (BoP), alongside plans to launch a pilot phase for the territory's reconstruction in Rafah. The details of whether ministers will vote on the BoP proposal remain unclear.

The reconstruction initiative focuses on establishing temporary structures to house Gaza residents. A key component of the plan involves strict screening procedures for individuals seeking to live in these areas, aimed at ensuring they have no affiliation with Hamas. This project marks the first area to be administered by the Palestinian "technocratic government" (NCAG), with backing from the multinational International Stabilization Force (ISF).

Sources indicate the pilot project is slated to begin in the coming weeks, with the intention to expand it to other areas if it proves successful. These discussions follow recent meetings where BoP CEO Nickolay Mladenov and US special envoy Aryeh Lightstone briefed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior Israeli officials on the progress of Cairo talks and the BoP's planned next steps. A Board of Peace official described these meetings as "productive and constructive."

Earlier in July, Israeli public broadcaster KAN News reported on "strategic" discussions between senior Israeli officers and their Egyptian counterparts in Cairo. These meetings were part of a dialogue focusing on shared regional interests and aimed to advance Gaza's reconstruction under former President Trump's plan, despite Hamas's refusal to disarm. The report highlighted that Egypt holds a more hawkish stance toward Hamas compared to Turkey and Qatar, and is willing to accept surrendered weapons.

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these were productive and constructive meetings.